What tour guides want you to know

And how to find a good one

Hello friends -

This post came about when Sarah May Grunwald–-who wears many hats, including wine educator, writer, and tour company owner––commented on another writer’s newsletter that people often ask her and her husband, a tour guide in Rome, if leading tours is their “real” job.

Insulting, right? Not only is it their real job, but it’s a difficult one to get, at least in Italy.

When I asked guides to share what they wished people knew about their profession, the most common answer was something about how difficult it is (dealing with people, often in extreme heat or other inclement weather, is hard!) Or about how qualified they are (there are a lot of PhDs out there).

Tipping was another major topic. Tip your tour guides! As was social media use and the rise of the Instagram traveler.