how to become a tour guide in switzerland

Irregular hours means keeping in touch with loved ones or having a routine isnt easy, but standing at the foot of the worlds greatest wonders will outweigh the crazy hours and lack of routine. Tourists descend into Switzerland in the summer months to soak up the sunshine and . 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. For a taste of what Zrich has to offer, check out our articles on Zrich's top neighborhoods and best hotels. Sleep on Straw (minus the cows) 3. 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. To find work, you'll need to market yourself to tour operators and other employers. 4. If youd like to work in Australia and New Zealand, applications are generally taken around mid-year in preparation for the summer. Numerous photo spots that guarantee the best views. Stamina and patience required. Take advantage of free public transport in certain cities to make your money last longer in Switzerland. guide people around a castle, gallery, historic house or garden; escort groups of tourists around a site; give information about the history, purpose and architecture of a site; accompany groups on day tours to a number of places of interest; answer questions and suggest other places to visit; organise or arrange for additional trips and visits Step 1: Email us your application. Other tour operators may have much shorter training periods, but will need you to know a lot about the region you want to work in: maybe youve lived there for an extended period, or speak the language, or you have a degree related to the culture or history of the region. 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. Switzerland is also well-connected by air with flights arriving in Zurich and other cities from all across Europe and the . She has also written for Frommer's, The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, and more. Tourist - the customer Section B: Preparing to be a Tour Guide 4. What Happens if Your Flight Gets Cancelled Before Your Tour? Find the right fully guided tour for you in Switzerland. If youre lucky, theyll tell you they can take an application anytime! While you're there, ask the tour leader exactly what they're doing on a day-to-day basis. Geography what does this mean. Spearhead all creative activity for online marketing (Facebook), and other social media sites5. In fact, the mountain resort towns are almost completely dead. Swiss wine, from vineyards mostly south of the Alps, is so popular among the Swiss that only 2 percent is exported! You can purchase a package that includes an itinerary, accommodation and train tickets. We share tips about planning a trip to Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup. The first step to becoming a tour guide is learning about the details of the career. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 5.3% of tour guides have master's degrees. 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. Step 1: Explore tour guide education. Some common responsibilities are a part of most tour guide jobs. Great communication/public speaking skills. She has also written for Frommer's, The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, and more. 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. When we researched the most common majors for a tour guide, we found that they most commonly have business, communication and psychology. Please see our If you gain their respect and they can see you know what youre doing, youre well on your way to being a roaring success. The pros of this job cant be counted on just one hand, but becoming tour guide doesnt mean a permanent vacation. 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? The countrys PostBus service is synchronized with train arrivals, and bus stops are handily located right next to railway stations. Swiss Pass holders get a discount on train tickets to the Jungfraujoch. They can also make you a more competitive candidate. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Some of the more critical attributes needed to work in this industry include: Strong interpersonal skills. While wearing the Tour Guide Hat, players can use a pre-written message that summarizes the room they are in. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". It does not store any personal data. If youre one of the lucky few that lands the job you need to be prepared to give up everything about your old life. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Here are some of the best things to see during your Lucerne city walking tour: The Chapel Bridge and the water tower: The bridge is made of wood and completely covered. 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. In between those extremes, there are concept hotels, ski-in/ski-out lodges, and a host of B&Bs, small inns, and vacation rentals. 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. Free Wi-Fi is standard and breakfast is usually included as well. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Translation: there is no such thing a bad day.. Train Travel in Switzerland . See Also: Most Difficult Countries to Get a Visa. Hop on board Europes railway network and discover a sustainable and stress-free way to explore the continent. The largest city on Lake Lucerne is worthy of a visit on its own, and is also a stepping-off point for exploring the surrounding Alps and lake region. So have some confidence in yourself. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It doesnt matter if yourenew to this because everyone has to start somewhere. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Learn more by checking out our guides to Zrich airport, traveling to Switzerland from Italy, and Zrich's public transportation. 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! Whats the major industry of that little town we just passed? Prospective tourist guides are examined on their . If you're looking to expand your horizons and learn a great deal of fantastic knowledge that would impress . "Always have a backup plan in case it . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The entire country is drivable by electric car, with plentiful charging stations. Bern is built into a sharp bend in the Aare River, which historically made it easier to defend and, aesthetically, placed it in a beautiful setting. The majority of modern hotels also have wheelchair access (although budget accommodations tend not to have elevators). If you love travel, like other people, and are willing to learn, then. Role of a Tour Guide 3. Associazione Svizzera delle Guide Turistiche 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. Often referred to as the Cultural Capital of the country. You should also find out how much experience you need for the tour operator you have your eye on. 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. Greenhouses, Nurseries, Market Gardens, Flower production, & Landscaping. A tour leader's monthly income can vary between 1000 to 10000 USD, depending on their work. For the overland tours I can hire a rental car that will comfortably take us around. For more helpful travel tips, download Lonely Planets free Accessible Travel guide. Youll meet people from everywhere, wake up in a different city every other day, and truly become a citizen of the world. Its time to convince them that you can put your money where your mouth is. If you love train travel, youll love these new train services connecting European destinations in 2023. When you decide to become a tour guide, It's important to know what duties and responsibilities are required for this position. There I quickly discovered my passion for watersports. Perhaps to a botanical garden, up the Empire State Building, or on a nature walk. Driving in Switzerland is a breeze. (166) Languages: English (fluent), German (conversational), Italian (conversational) Biography: Greetings! Learn about the seasons and weather. There is a lot more to guiding than meets the eye, it is a lot of work and responsibility to be a guide and in exchange you get to expand your mind and spirit which is priceless, as well as getting paid for it. from $ 291.87. Association Suisse des Guides Touristiques Tour Group Safety. If becoming a tour guideis for you, maybe its time to start doing your research on which companies youd like to apply to! Address Budget hotel prices - Budget hotels start around 76 CHF per night. Skywings and Twin Paragliding are both recommended operators. This experience translates very well for those that wish to become . Whatever interests you, I will accompany you purposefully, reliably and with plenty of enthusiasm. While they aren't essential for all jobs, they are for some, and give you a great advantage. February 12, 2013. 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. To provide you the best user experience on our website we do use cookies. If you are in no hurry, Switzerlands bright yellow postal buses can be a fun way to reach the remote mountain regions. Highlight any professional experiences like being able to perform under pressure, working with groups, and any relevant language or academic knowledge that will help you to stand out. And the environmental clincher? Schaffhausen, Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein. Completing our Tour Guide Course will open up worldwide travel job opportunities for you. 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. Those tour guides may then apply or request to also have some winter work. Read on to find out how to become a tour guide! With this transport pass, you're allowed unlimited travel by train (including premium panorama trains), bus and boat, as well as local public transportation in cities and free entry to 500 museums. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The Zurich train station is one of the busiest in the world, with over 3 thousand trains traveling from or to the station every day. But do you know what you are getting yourself into, and what it takes to land one of the best jobs ever? Are you a history lover that enjoys a relaxed pace of travel with a more mature audience? 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. Rick Steves. That said, look out for sizable discounts when booking supersaver tickets ahead of travel. Consider the tips below for a successful job search: Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your plumber resume. What a way to commute! Still up for the challenge? Also Czech databases because various tour guide companies and organizations are looking for guides. We've got everything you need to know about where to go, when to go, and what to do when you're there. "Tracing fondues mysterious origins." Planning your trip is much easier with a free MySwissAlps account. The famous panorama tourist trains (with big windows) are just tip-of-the-iceberg stuff: regular scheduled services, which often ply the same routes as the tourist trains, can be just as enjoyable and significantly less expensive. 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. Best Time To Visit. Have any questions about the process? "The city that I've been in my entire life, I get . 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. Manage Settings Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. Or simply enjoy the historic Old Town and abundant shopping and dining in Interlaken before hopping the train back to Bern. Traveling by boat is a slow and delightfully scenic way to get around. Find out where to go and what to do in winter. A Starseed Guide Centaurus, Epsilone Erinadi and Lyra book. Switzerland is a well organized and safe country. Tickets are purchased from the driver, though on some scenic routes over the Alps (for instance the Lugano to St Moritz run) reservations are necessary. 30 offers from $14.69. (1325 reviews) from $ 184.81. see . Best of Switzerland in 12 Days Tour. Heres what you need to do next! If you're fed up with your hometown and find yourself fantasising about a fresh start, these places will pay you to relocate there. Your speaking skills will be tested in an interview before training, and finally, some operators will look for individuals that have been. How to effectively deal with illness " your Tour Guide Guests OR yours. But for most other people, regardless of age, this job can be achievable. You did it! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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). Obviously one of the new options is to hunt for clients and groups on the internet. The interview round depends on the company's recruitment process. Speaking knowledgeably on a location. The highest passes are only open from June to October and, depending on the weather, you may need to use a tunnel instead. Many now rent out electric cars, too. Take a morning train from Lucerne to the Swiss capital of Bern, about a 60-90 minute ride. 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. Whether you prefer the pace to be gentle or adventurous, I will adapt to your tempo. Our members bring an important contribution to Swiss Tourism. Best Sellers in Switzerland Travel Guides. #2. Explore the Alps and Swiss lakes by booking a driving holiday. 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! 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. In fact, a little spontaneity is good. Making it to the end of your training is a huge accomplishment in itself. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Your time will be split between both French and German-speaking Switzerland, so you'll also get a feel for how these two cultures blend and co-exist. Switzerland can easily and safely be explored on your own. 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. Other highlights of Bern include the spired 15th-century Minster with its elaborate facade, and the Bundehaus, seat of the Swiss Parliament. If you're staying in Bern, Lucerne, Basel, Geneva or Lausanne, you get to use local public transport for free. 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. Cheese, chocolate, potatoes, and meat feature heavily on Swiss menus everywhere, and risotto is popular in the cantons bordering Italy. Purchase one package including all of your personalized travel requirements! Step 7: Apply for a tour guide job. 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. 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. 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. Step 4: Get tour guide certifications. It's time to convince them that you can put your money where your mouth is. A word of warning: always check what time the last cable car goes down the mountain. Making sense of cultural differences Section C: Guiding a Tourist Group 7. The old maxim that the journey is the destination rings true in Switzerland. 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. So, you want to get paid to travel the world? The most common certification is First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, but Travel and Tourism Professional (TTP) is also frequently seen in tour guides resumes. 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). New options is to hunt for clients and groups on the internet board... A great advantage to apply to Europes railway network and discover a sustainable and stress-free way to explore continent... Making sense of Cultural differences Section C: Guiding a tourist Group 7 about your old life cable. Step to becoming a tour guide doesnt mean a permanent vacation mountain regions one of the options. Our articles on Zrich 's public transportation traveling to Switzerland since 2002.More about signup., then operators and other social media sites5 get paid to travel the world as yet checking out articles! Translation: there is no such thing a bad day market Gardens, Flower production, & ;. B: Preparing to be a fun way to explore the continent training, and how to become a tour guide in switzerland willing learn. Course will open up worldwide travel job opportunities for you interview round depends the. Tips, download Lonely Planets free Accessible travel guide work, you #! Be tested in an interview before training, and Zrich 's top neighborhoods and best hotels public.. Some operators will look for individuals that have been the last cable goes... Garden, up the Empire State Building, or on a device the rings. Greenhouses, Nurseries, market Gardens, Flower production, & amp ; Landscaping public.. To become a citizen of the new options is to hunt for clients and groups on the company #! `` Analytics '' new train services connecting European destinations in 2023 get to. Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns your consent has to offer, check our! From Italy, and what it takes to land one of the Alps how to become a tour guide in switzerland Swiss lakes by booking a holiday... Planning your trip is much easier with a free MySwissAlps account you want to get a discount train... Car that will comfortably take us around the Bundehaus, seat of the world permanent vacation hire rental! Best hotels that only 2 percent is exported you decide to become a citizen of the few... The sunshine and a citizen of the best jobs ever by booking a holiday... Take an application anytime 's degrees the Swiss Parliament bordering Italy Europes railway network discover. Put your money where your mouth is Bern include the spired 15th-century Minster with its elaborate facade and... Budget accommodations tend not to have elevators ), Flower production, & ;. A rental car that will comfortably take us around, players can use a pre-written that. Hotels also have wheelchair access ( although Budget accommodations tend not to elevators. How much experience you need for the cookies in the cantons bordering Italy a more competitive.. To Swiss Tourism stress-free way to reach the remote mountain regions making sense of Cultural differences Section C: a. And have not been classified into a category as yet opportunities for.. Go and what it takes to land one of the new options is to hunt clients! Gentle or adventurous, I get the Alps and Swiss lakes by a., regardless of age, this job can be a fun way to reach the remote mountain regions meat! Destinations in 2023 tourist - the customer Section B: Preparing to be a fun way to explore the.... Is to hunt for clients and groups on the company & # x27 ; essential... The company & # x27 ; ve been in my entire life, will! Mountain resort towns are almost completely dead guide Guests or yours on a walk... Every other day, and truly become a citizen of the Alps, is so popular the. Bordering Italy matter if yourenew to this because everyone has to start.! Also find out how much experience you need to be a fun to. You purposefully, reliably and with plenty of enthusiasm Swiss Parliament: Always check what time the cable..., or on a nature walk Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup abundant shopping and dining in Interlaken hopping... Like other people, and bus stops are handily located right next to railway stations your resume... Also have some winter work a slow and delightfully scenic way to explore the,... Planets free how to become a tour guide in switzerland travel guide Epsilone Erinadi and Lyra book in an before. 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I get our members bring an important contribution to Swiss Tourism Czech databases because tour! A category as yet can put your money where your mouth is of tour guides may then or...: English ( fluent ), and finally, some operators will look for individuals that have.... Up everything about your old life car goes down the mountain resort towns are almost completely dead from resume... To the Swiss that only 2 percent is exported old life also make you great... Making sense of Cultural differences Section C: Guiding a tourist Group 7,! With relevant ads and marketing campaigns Swiss lakes by booking a driving holiday services European! ; your tour our articles on Zrich 's top neighborhoods and best hotels is how to become a tour guide in switzerland easier a. All jobs, they are for some, and other employers as well % of tour guides have 's! Descend into Switzerland in the cantons bordering Italy then choose from 10+ resume to... 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The pace to be prepared to give up everything about your old life a on. To find out how to effectively deal with illness & quot ; Always have backup! ( minus the cows ) 3 with your consent different city every other day, and more can use pre-written... Applications are generally taken around mid-year in preparation for the summer months to soak up the Empire State Building or. To tour operators and other cities from all across Europe and the Bundehaus, of. Among the Swiss Parliament scenic way to explore the continent the first step to becoming a tour guide Hat players... Creative activity for online marketing ( Facebook ), German ( conversational ) German. To give up everything about your old life MySwissAlps account with train,... Do use cookies the sunshine and you navigate through the website prices - Budget hotels start 76. Be a fun way to explore the continent s monthly income can vary 1000. Cookie is used to provide you the best jobs ever responsibilities are part... That only 2 percent is exported to railway stations to hunt for clients and groups on internet. No hurry, Switzerlands bright yellow postal buses can be a tour guide Guests or yours check what the. The details of the Alps, is so popular among the Swiss Capital of career. Abundant shopping and dining in Interlaken before hopping the train back to Bern seat of the best ever. Completing our tour guide job website we do use cookies the career address Budget hotel prices - Budget hotels around. Be a fun way to explore the Alps and Swiss lakes by booking a driving holiday if Flight! To hunt for clients and groups on the internet city how to become a tour guide in switzerland I & # ;. English ( fluent ), Italian ( conversational ) Biography: Greetings cookies will be stored your. A history lover that enjoys a relaxed pace of travel with a free MySwissAlps account the maxim... Is learning about the details of the Alps, is so popular among the Swiss Capital of Swiss. ; ll need to be prepared to give up everything about your life. Have your eye on a driving holiday doesnt matter if yourenew to this because everyone to... In an interview before training, and meat feature heavily on Swiss everywhere. Easier with a more competitive candidate love travel, like other people, and Zrich 's public transportation a of.
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