If youre starting out, wait until youve got some solid experience under your belt before reaching out to these companies! Get inspired by these sample itineraries. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Apply as soon as possible to get the process started. Learn all about Switzerland and get in touch with us quickly if you have questions.Learn more, Who's MySwissAlps.com?We're passionate tourists and locals. Elizabeth Heath has lived in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017. You may have shed blood, sweat and tears to get here but you can finally call yourself a tour guide! Switzerland can easily and safely be explored on your own. There are very few other jobs in the world where people work so independently of their managers presence from the beginning of their employment. Zurich consistently rates at or near the top of annual surveys judging cities worldwide for . Read on to find out how to become a tour guide! They all require reservations, with tickets usually sold for a specific leg on the routes rather than the full journey. Wilderness First Responder: The Wilderness First Responder . Our members bring an important contribution to Swiss Tourism. We've got everything you need to know about where to go, when to go, and what to do when you're there. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Small it may be, but Geneva is one of the most demographically diverse cities in Europe . The old maxim that the journey is the destination rings true in Switzerland. The Best Halloween Parties and Events Around the World. 3. Finally settled down in Vienna after 9 years of leading tours in Europe, Leona first joined TourRadar in 2016. How to effectively deal with illness " your Tour Guide Guests OR yours. Whats the major industry of that little town we just passed? True marvels of engineering, the mountain gondolas graze treetops, rail-bound funiculars shimmy precariously close to rock faces, and cable cars wobble across valleys (dont worry they are safe and subject to regular checks), before all emerge at a spectacularly snowy summit or glacier. 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. Tip for driving on freeways in Switzerland:Youll need to pay an annual one-time charge of Sfr40 to use Swiss freeways and semi-freeways, identified by green signs. All in all, its important to choose an operator that fits your personality and travels to destinations you feel passionate about! Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly. Spend plenty of time tailoring your application letter and resume to fit the role and the company youre applying for. 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!). Lucerne town has a pretty center filled with half-timber houses and cozy inns and eateriesWirsthaus Taube is a great choice for rosti, one of the must-try foods of Switzerland. Switzerlands roads are well signposted and maintained, but you should always check conditions before heading up into the Alps, especially in winter. Manage the canoe landing including guests, workers, and canoe traffic in a way that all run smoothly and safely. . Your Zurich travel guide. The pros of this job cant be counted on just one hand, but becoming tour guide doesnt mean a permanent vacation. Okay, if youre really shy, and have never been further than the end of your road, maybe not. Rick Steves. Learn about the career. A 15-day pass is just shy of 500 CHF, so it's not cheap. That evening, plan on dinner at the cavernous Zeughauskeller, famous for its meter-long sausages and setting in a 15th-century arsenal. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Pack a picnic. 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. 260% Slots Bonus + 60 Spins on Plentiful Treasure. If you love travel, like other people, and are willing to learn, then. Switzerland is the water castle of Europe I love to discover springs and river courses while hiking and sailing on the Swiss lakes in the summer lets set sail together or put on our hiking boots! From Kriens, a short bus ride from Lucerne, take the Panorama Gondola on a breathtaking 30-minute ride to the top of Pilatus, where you'll find hiking, an adventure park, restaurants, and soaring views. Cynthia Elizabeth T. Zurich, Switzerland. We can go hiking or skiing together to remote areas and spots that are rather quiet but very charming and picturesque. 2. Single Supplement $675. But do you know what you are getting yourself into, and what it takes to land one of the best jobs ever? Here, besides journeying to the highest train station in Europe, you'll be treated to views of the Aletsch GlacierEurope's longest at 22 kilometers, as well as the Eiger, Mnch, and the Jungfrau peaks. What is interpretation? February 12, 2013. If you're looking to expand your horizons and learn a great deal of fantastic knowledge that would impress . Hop on board Europes railway network and discover a sustainable and stress-free way to explore the continent. You can reach Switzerland by train from the neighboring countries of Austria, Germany, France, and Italy. 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 Obviously one of the new options is to hunt for clients and groups on the internet. For the hiking tours a pair of strong hiking shoes are required. Switzerland has one of the most elaborate and dense rail network systems globally. Body. Don't know how to plan, can't find a package that fits your needs, or simply don't have the time? A Starseed Guide Centaurus, Epsilone Erinadi and Lyra book. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Some of the more critical attributes needed to work in this industry include: Strong interpersonal skills. With almost 700 years, it is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. 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. For the hiking tours a pair of strong hiking shoes are required. In an Alpine destination such as Zermatt, Saas-Fee, or Gstaad, we like cozy, traditional hotels that really impart a sense of place. Enjoy it all with a friendly local guide on a private Switzerland tour. We strongly recommend tour guide training about what better way then starting right here with our Tour Guide Course. Role of a Tour Guide 3. Becoming a tour guide in Singapore requires specific qualifications. Elizabeth Heath has lived in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017. Fresh air, pure water, lush alpine flora and magnificient views: the Swiss mountains have long given visitors a deep sense of wellbeing. After that, you'll need a travel pass or ticket from the Swiss Travel System if you want to change trains. Its time to convince them that you can put your money where your mouth is. Cheap or Free Accommodations. If you'd like to apply for this job, please send us an email with your cover letter, your resume, a letter of reference and a scanned copy of your driver's license, all of those items assembled into one single file. These jobs are highly sought after by many young, enthusiastic adventurers, so the stakes are high. You need to have a consistent passion for learning, relentlessly optimistic outlook and dedication to hard work. (and love chatting). Prospective tourist guides are examined on their . Come with us and get to know Switzerland and its customs on tailor-made tours. 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. Some tour leaders or managers are self-employed, but most are full or part-time and generally earn from $50 - $150 per day. 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. We can go hiking or skiing together to remote areas and spots that are rather quiet but very charming and picturesque. 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. And the good news is, that tour companies are always recruiting! It may seem like a daunting task, but for those suited to the job, its a dream come true. 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. 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. 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. It does not store any personal data. While every traveler has their own reasons for visiting Switzerland, the big draws here can more or less be broken down into three categories: scenery, outdoor activities, and Swiss history and culture. We accompany them in continued education and in professional and social progress and promote their professional reputation. The interview round depends on the companys recruitment process. Start working and continue learning. 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. Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts. Learn more by checking out our guides to Zrich airport, traveling to Switzerland from Italy, and Zrich's public transportation. Travel in Switzerland isnt only beautiful its also environmentally sound. The tour operator wants to see if you are the right fit for them and the real deal. Some tour operators wont require you to have any previous experience and will instead invest huge amounts of time and money in auditioning you. The Swiss Travel Pass is an all-in-one ticket giving you complete access to Switzerland (and Liechtenstein!). She has also written for Frommer's, The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, and more. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Swiss cuisine is hearty, to say the least. Translation: there is no such thing a bad day.. If youd like to work in Australia and New Zealand, applications are generally taken around mid-year in preparation for the summer. Swiss Alps Day Trip from Zurich: Jungfraujoch and Bernese Oberland. There's snow year-round at the top (so dress appropriately! 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. And the environmental clincher? Guided bus holidays allow you to see the best of the Alps in a comfortable way, and without any planning. Often referred to as the Cultural Capital of the country. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing renovations in the Palais des Nations, our tour offers are limited and subject to changes. 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. Your trip will wind down in the largest city in French-speaking Switzerland and the diplomatic center of Europe, home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent. It's a country of hairpin-bend road trips, train lines that hole out the Alps like Swiss cheese and dreamy boat journeys across crystalline lakes. Hotels, dining, trains, and attractions are all costly compared to many other European countries, but there are a few ways you can save money: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/ch, https://www.worlddata.info/europe/switzerland/tourism.php. Association Suisse des Guides Touristiques Or do you prefer non-stop adventure and fast-paced city hopping with todays youth? For more helpful travel tips, download Lonely Planets free Accessible Travel guide. The interview round depends on the company's recruitment process. 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. That said, look out for sizable discounts when booking supersaver tickets ahead of travel. 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. Your colleagues and peers can help you when you need it but focus on the most important thing of all, your passengers! Avoid these traps: "12 (or 20) people on the tour is the max.". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Being a tour guide means you get to travel. You can easily create your own itinerary and travel independently. Martin Gordon has represented Ireland at the Paralympics, with Eamon Byrne as tandem pilot. ASGT is an association of Swiss tour leaders and local/ regional guides as well as museums guides. Drink tap water. Step 1: Explore tour guide education. & more. Switzerland Tourism. Take a morning train from Lucerne to the Swiss capital of Bern, about a 60-90 minute ride. We share tips about planning a trip to Switzerland since 2002.More about usNewsletter signup. To become a tour guide, you usually need a bachelor's degree and 1-2 years of experience. Here's a taste of what you'll learn in the Tour Guide Course. Armed with a Swiss Travel Pass, you'll have nearly unlimited use of Switzerland's excellent network of trains, buses, and ferries. "Don't do outdoor tours in the winter.". From lakeside towns to flowerbox-perfect villages to hiking trails surrounded by cut-glass . Five Ways To Travel Responsibly with Kids, Must-See Places in Brisbane: Top 5 Things To Do. Best Sellers in Switzerland Travel Guides. Being member of the Swiss tourist association (STV) in Bern, the roof federation of Swiss Tourism, our primary objective is to guarantee a high level of quality. Lonely Planets in-house train expert, Tom Hall, reports back on his latest journey, originating in London and ending the following morning in Stockholm. Explore Lake Geneva, one of Europe's oldest Old Towns, and see the headquarters of the UN. If youre lucky, theyll tell you they can take an application anytime! Rigi, and take an easy hike back down, at least part of the waythere are places to eat at several of the railway stops. To be a Tour Guide in Europe: You must be able to work in Europe. 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. Here's how to get around this wonderfully scenic country. The headline road trip is the 1600km (994-mile)Grand Tour of Switzerland, an epic, efficiently signposted lap of the country that links 12 Unesco World Heritage Sites and shows off the Alpine nation from its most flattering angles. from $4,295 per person + air. Traveling around in Switzerland's stunning scenery is an absolute joy Thomas Barwick / Getty Images. You may have shed blood, sweat and tears to get here but you can finally call yourself a tour guide! Our 12-day Best of Switzerland tour will have you delighting in the majesty, diversity, and cultural quirks that make this place soSwiss! It'll be a good idea to develop tour guide skills before applying for a job. It's time to convince them that you can put your money where your mouth is. 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. There is also the Chaff Bridge. Plus, the process of getting a certification can teach you new skills that you can bring to your work. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. BBC. Swiss Tourist Guide Association Switzerland Tourism has excellent travel information for people with physical disabilities or get in touch with Procap, an authority on barrier-free travel in Switzerland. Before investing your time, heart, and soul in a solid job application, make sure youve got the legal parts covered. ASGT is supplying services for its members. A tour guide gives specific narration in a place, often joining the tour group for just a couple of hours. 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. Posted by: | on September 29, 2022 Day 4: Boat Ride to Rigi or Rutli. Where is the closest cash machine? Completing our Tour Guide Course will open up worldwide travel job opportunities for you. A 1,643km circuit of Switzerland that encompasses all of the country's highlights. Experience with travel, being able to talk abouthistory, culture, art and much much more at a moments notice and charisma will help, but. Scenic country after by many young, enthusiastic adventurers, so it & x27... Has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017 have never been further than the full journey & x27! The neighboring countries of Austria, Germany, France, and without any planning before heading up into Alps... Germany, France, and canoe traffic in a 15th-century arsenal Leona first joined TourRadar in.... To store the user consent for the cookies in the winter. & ;! 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