Making the Most of an Organised Tour

Traveller and Guide

Participants on one side, the tour leader on the other, and in between an environment or context that’s new for everyone. So how can each person get the most out of their organised trip?

The Participants

Going on an organised tour means travelling in a group (obviously!) with people who can be very different in many ways. Naturally, this brings its share of small constraints, and ideally, everyone should do their part to ensure the trip goes smoothly. Fortunately, this is often the case.

That said, some situations or topics can be potential sources of controversy or conflict. In some groups, the "offender" may even find themselves gradually excluded—turning what was supposed to be a dream trip into a nightmare. Alternatively, cliques may form, with some people finding others unbearable and vice versa.

Topics or Situations That Spark Conflict

Respecting schedules: This is the foundation of group travel. There’s little room for dawdling in the morning before departure or extending a visit or coffee break beyond what the guide or leader has planned. You’ll quickly be noticed—and resented—by others who have to wait.

Following the programme: Along with schedules, this is usually the basic constraint. So, don’t expect to see or do much beyond what’s in the brochure. Everything is planned and timed in advance, and trying to shake up the order isn’t always well received by others—or even by the leader. That said, some tours include "free days" that allow for a bit more flexibility.

Group dynamics: Sometimes, the group dynamic takes on more importance than expected. Those who skip group activities or meals to explore or eat alone may eventually find themselves ignored by the others.

The leader: Often, certain personalities stand out in a group, particularly the "leader." Even if they’re not the official guide, this person will quickly assert themselves as a sub-leader or "go-to" figure within the group. Watch out if anyone tries to challenge their position...

Everyone’s place: It may sound clichéd, but in many groups, there’s an unspoken rule about where people sit in transport or at restaurants. If someone accidentally disrupts this "pre-established" order, problems can arise...

Patience, and more patience: This is the key in many situations. Use it, for example, with chronic complainers, scatterbrains, or know-it-alls.

Holiday photos: Nothing’s worse than being a photography enthusiast in a group that isn’t—or vice versa. Visits and even transport stops will often be paced by the majority’s preferences.

The bill: A notoriously contentious topic, splitting the bill when everyone pays their share can become a memorable moment on some trips. Who ate what, who drank what and how much, and dividing it down to the cent—it’s a recurring source of friction.

Getting sick: At best, this slows down the group’s schedule; at worst, it forces changes to the itinerary. A minor ailment that doesn’t disrupt things is fine, but if it’s more serious, some might not hesitate to blame you for ruining their holiday...

And it’s in relation to all this that the tour leader must position themselves...

The Tour Leader

Their Role

Remember, a tour leader isn’t a guide. Unlike guides, there’s no formal training or certification for tour leaders.

In simple terms, a guide "explains" a country or places, while a tour leader manages the group’s daily logistics—transport, accommodation, scheduling visits, handling the budget, and solving any problems that arise along the way. So, two different roles, though they often overlap in practice.

Also, a tour leader isn’t a babysitter, therapist, or assistant. In short, everyone should take some responsibility for themselves, even on an organised trip!

Questions About the Tour Leader

Without generalising, smaller agencies often have better tour leaders than large ones. It’s easier to find one or two good ones than fifty for the same destination. Beyond that, it’s the leader’s personality and enthusiasm for sharing that usually make the difference.

A legitimate question travellers often ask: Does the tour leader know the destination and/or speak the language? While this is a plus, it doesn’t guarantee their "quality." In practice, knowing the region (if not the whole country) and having a basic grasp of English is often enough. After all, a tour leader’s strength should lie in their ability to adapt and find solutions to any problems or gaps that arise during the trip. In short, fixating too much on their "knowledge" isn’t always necessary.

Another question that comes up: Are they employed by the tour operator? The implication is that this would mean better skills. But it’s not that simple. First, tour leaders aren’t the ones who choose—the tour operators do, and some exploit the volunteer system (and supply/demand) to the fullest. In reality, some "volunteer" tour leaders have been working for agencies for years and are just as competent as salaried ones. That said, volunteering can sometimes demotivate a leader ("I’m being exploited by a tour operator making money off my back") or at least fail to inspire them ("Why bother under these conditions? Might as well enjoy the trip like everyone else").

It’s not always straightforward. That’s why it’s useful to meet—or at least talk to—your tour leader before departure.

Becoming a Tour Leader

For those interested in giving it a try, here are a few tips...

Tourism is the world’s largest seasonal employment sector. A major advantage is that it doesn’t always require specific skills, at least for those used to travelling. Holiday clubs, hotels, and tour operators—with their need for tour leaders or activity coordinators—are all avenues to explore from France, offering opportunities to travel the world. However, don’t expect high pay or far-flung destinations right away, at least not at first. Possible "contracts" often last only as long as the trip. In short, becoming a tour leader often means figuring out how to travel for free.

In Practice

Travelling for free is indeed possible with some tour operators who regularly look for leaders to supervise their tours in France or abroad.

Again, a tour leader isn’t a guide—the work (and pay) isn’t the same. In simple terms, a guide "explains" a country, while a tour leader manages the group’s daily logistics. So, two different roles, though they often overlap in practice.

In reality, becoming a tour leader isn’t too difficult, though more and more operators are now opting for local ground handlers (already on-site). With some travel experience or knowledge of a particular sector, plus a good grasp of English, you stand a good chance (a tourism degree isn’t necessary). That said, those who lack dynamism, patience, initiative, or diplomacy—qualities essential for this kind of work—won’t get far. Leading a group isn’t exactly a holiday. Without being the group’s "mum," an encyclopaedia of knowledge, or just the accountant, the tour leader must strike the right balance to ensure travellers are as satisfied as possible while respecting the country. A tall order...

With rare exceptions, being a tour leader isn’t really a profession. In too many cases, the work relies on volunteering or near-volunteering (do tour operators have a sense of economy—or exploitation?); only expenses are reimbursed. And while the travel opportunities are there, full-time employment or a regular salary is rare. But then, these are seasonal jobs to begin with.

As for destinations, don’t expect to automatically land the most far-flung countries or the best tours in the catalogue. While it’s possible, you’ll often be asked to prove yourself in countries you already know or closer destinations—which can be great too.

Finally, for contacts, know that tour operators usually look for leaders for the coming year at the end of summer. Reach out then. Often, a questionnaire and/or interview will determine the selection of candidates.

The Local Tour Leader

For some time now, to cut costs, more and more tour operators have been replacing their leaders from France with local ground handlers. Their job is to meet the group at the airport, lead them throughout the trip, and then see them off.