Know how to become a tour director?

Question

I'd love to hear from people with TD experience, please. I am currently taking the course "Get Paid To Travel" by Cherie Anderson and am wondering whether it's really possible for a company to hire me without any real training besides that.

I do not have a degree, but I have travel experience. What kind of things would help me put an impressive resume forth to break into my first job? I wouldn't mind starting out as a tour guide to gain experience.

I want to take the training through IGA in September, but was just wondering whether I could get a headstart on some directing experience before then.

What did you do to start touring and about what is the going salary?

I live in Michigan (Metro-Detroit area).

Answer 1

Salary is not good, you get paid minimally for only the trips that you take.....at first you will be assigned trips within the USA.  Those with the most experience get the European trips.  You make most of your money on tips --- sometimes as much at 10 times what you are paid.  

I would suggest looking for a part time job as a tour guide at a local museum, etc.  It will get you started on the ins and outs of working with people and getting prepared for the types of questions that you may experience.