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Travel Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trek Travel

Travel Tour Guide

Madison, WI · Remote

Travel Tour Guide We are now accepting Applications for the 2027 season! We know how to find the perfect locations, boutique accommodations, idyllic towns, delectable meals, and extraordinary ...

Trek Travel

Travel Tour Guide

Madison, WI · On-site +1

So, you want to be a guide? We can't wait to hear from you! You can find all of the answers to your questions about our Travel Tour Guide jobs by thoroughly reviewing the five dedicated web pages ...

Trek Travel

Travel Tour Guide

Madison, WI · Remote

So, you want to be a guide? We can't wait to hear from you! You can find all of the answers to your questions about our Travel Tour Guide jobs by thoroughly reviewing the five dedicated web pages ...

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

Anaheim, CA

$16.90/hr

Tour Guide * Central Location, Anaheim Resort, Anaheim area, California, United States, 92802 ... Travel + Leisure Co. provides pre-licensing education and subsidizes the licensing process.

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

Windsor, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Tour Guide * 1360 19th Hole Drive, Windsor, California, United States, 95492 * Sales Representative ... Travel + Leisure Co. provides pre-licensing education and subsidizes the licensing process.

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

Angels Camp, CA

$70K/yr

Tour Guide * 123 Selkirk Ranch Road, Angels Camp, California, United States, 95222 * Sales ... Travel + Leisure Co. provides pre-licensing education and subsidizes the licensing process.

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Tour Guide * Central Location, Yerba Buena, San Francisco, California, United States, 94109 * Sales ... Travel + Leisure Co. provides pre-licensing education and subsidizes the licensing process.

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

We Put the World on Vacation Travel + Leisure Co. is the world's leading vacation ownership and ... Tour Guide The Tour Guide is the first point of contact for guests and owners, creating a welcoming ...

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

Angels Camp, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

We Put the World on Vacation Travel + Leisure Co. is the world's leading vacation ownership and ... Tour Guide The Tour Guide is the first point of contact for guests and owners, creating a welcoming ...

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

We Put the World on Vacation Travel + Leisure Co. is the world's leading vacation ownership and ... Tour Guide The Tour Guide is the first point of contact for guests and owners, creating a welcoming ...

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

San Diego, CA

$70K/yr

Tour Guide * Central Location, Mid-City, San Diego, California, United States, 92103 * Sales ... Travel + Leisure Co. provides pre-licensing education and subsidizes the licensing process.

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How much do travel guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for travel guide in the United States is $14.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a travel guide do?

A travel guide is a professional who leads individuals or groups on tours, providing information about destinations, attractions, history, culture, and local customs. They ensure travelers have a safe, enjoyable, and informative experience, often arranging transportation, accommodation, and activities. Travel guides also answer questions, offer recommendations, and help resolve issues that may arise during the trip. Their expertise enhances travelers’ understanding and appreciation of the places they visit.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a travel guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Travel Guide, you need in-depth knowledge of local history, geography, and attractions, often supported by relevant training or certifications in tourism or hospitality. Familiarity with booking systems, navigation tools, and communication platforms is valuable for efficient trip management. Outstanding interpersonal skills, storytelling ability, and adaptability help create engaging and memorable experiences for diverse groups. These skills ensure safe, informative, and enjoyable tours, fostering positive client relationships and repeat business.

What are some common challenges travel guides face when leading group tours, and how can they effectively manage them?

Travel Guides often encounter challenges such as managing diverse group dynamics, handling unexpected changes in the itinerary, and ensuring everyone’s safety and satisfaction. Effective communication, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills are crucial for addressing these situations. Experienced guides proactively set expectations, stay informed about local conditions, and build rapport with travelers to create a positive experience even when challenges arise.

What is the difference between Travel Guide vs Tour Guide?

AspectTravel GuideTour Guide
CredentialsNone required, but certifications like Certified Travel Associate can helpOften requires certifications or training in tour management
Work EnvironmentTraveling with clients, providing local insightsLeading groups on specific tours, often in designated locations
Employer & IndustryTravel agencies, tour operators, tourism boardsTour companies, museums, historical sites
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking general travel assistance and local infoPeople looking for guided tours of specific attractions

While both roles involve guiding and assisting travelers, a Travel Guide typically offers broader travel support and local insights across various destinations. A Tour Guide specializes in leading groups through specific sites or attractions, often with more structured itineraries. Understanding these differences helps travelers choose the right professional for their needs.

How much money can you make as a travel guide?

Travel guides typically earn between $10 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $20,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Tips and commissions can also significantly increase total earnings, especially in tour-heavy environments.

Is travel guide a good career?

A travel guide is a profession that involves leading groups, providing information about destinations, and ensuring visitor safety. It requires strong communication skills, knowledge of local history and culture, and often involves irregular hours and seasonal work. Whether it is a good career depends on personal interests in travel and customer service, as well as job stability and income potential vary by location and employer.
More about Travel Guide jobs

What cities are hiring for Travel Guide jobs?

Cities with the most Travel Guide job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Travel Guide jobs?

The most popular types of Travel Guide jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Travel Guide jobs?

The top employers for Travel Guide jobs are:

What states have the most Travel Guide jobs?

States with the most job openings for Travel Guide jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Travel Guide jobs?

For Travel Guide jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Travel Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Travel Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,094 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Independent Contractor Evaluator (Asia/Pacific)

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Forbes Travel Guide
Traveler Accommodation • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Forbes Travel Guideexternal

Contractor

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Forbes Travel Guide is seeking a multi-lingual independent contractor, incognito evaluator for the Asia-Pacific region.
Forbes Travel Guide's professional team of incognito evaluators travel the world to assess hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships based on hundreds of exacting standards that determine our coveted annual Star Ratings and provide valuable insight to hospitality industry clients.
The Independent Contractor Evaluator will be responsible for gathering all information required to conduct and complete reports for assigned evaluations. The Independent Contractor Evaluator is compensated per evaluation executed.
The Independent Contractor Evaluator position involves extensive travel throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and, on occasion, globally. The ideal candidate will be based in close proximity to a major international airport.
Candidates for the evaluator position cannot maintain a concurrent role in the hospitality industry or one with a direct conflict of interest while working with Forbes Travel Guide.
This position has an expected start date in early 2027. Applications who apply now will be vetted and entered into a talent pool, from which the best candidates will be selected. Applicants will be notified when they are added to the talent pool.
DEPARTMENT: Evaluation Operations
LOCATION: Remote; Major East and Southeast Asian cities with close access to a major international airport
EXPECTED START DATE: Early 2027
TYPE: Independent contractor
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: 5-7 years
NOTE: This posting is intended for applicants currently residing within a major city in the Asia-Pacific region. If you have plans to move to the region, please include those details in your cover letter.
Responsibilities
  • Execute unannounced incognito evaluations applying intimate understanding of Forbes Travel Guide standards and required application in accordance with official interpretations at all times.
  • Manage travel itinerary based on assignment; complete evaluations in cost-effective manner, following departmental policies and procedures.
  • Maintain meticulous notes regarding property and logistics to assist evaluation planning department in future execution.
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues and headquarters to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
  • Position requires consumption of food and drink as required for evaluation purposes.
  • Maintain a professional and appropriate demeanor on behalf of Forbes Travel Guide.

Requirements
  • Strong writing skills required; experience or familiarity with luxury travel and writing about travel, spa, food, wine, style or design preferred.
  • Low profile; preferred candidates do not have prominent social media personalities or an online presence connecting them to the industry, including bylines. Chosen candidates will be required to maintain a low profile and possibly reduce their online footprint.
  • Ability to multitask and handle significant daily deadlines.
  • Extremely organized, mature, self-motivated and independent worker.
  • Detail-orientated with a strong ability to keep meticulous records and prepare accurate reports both manually and through electronic channels.
  • Well-traveled globally, experience traveling independently.
  • Strong communication skills
  • Fluency in English required; Exceptional Mandarin-speaking and reading abilities is a strong plus, as is proficiency in other regionally relevant languages
  • Technologically proficient
  • Experience with Forbes Travel Guide standards and reports a plus
  • Must be located near a major airport for cost-conscious, flexible travel
  • Flexible availability, able to travel a minimum of 10 days per month
  • Weekend/weekday and international/domestic travel required

Apply