Many tourist offices list independent guides on their websites. In some cities, you can book a private guide — as well as meetups, walking tours, and excursions — through Airbnb. Other resources include ToursByLocals (organized tours and private guides), and TravelLocal (small tour operators).

If you're interested in learning about the history and cultural significance of a destination, a tour guide is your go-to person. On the other hand, if you need assistance in making travel arrangements and want personalized recommendations, a tourist guide is the right choice.

Scope of Responsibilities: While tour leaders oversee the entire trip, tour guides focus on specific sites or attractions. Tour leaders handle logistics, accommodations, and overall group management, whereas tour guides provide detailed information about a particular location.

Being a tour guide is a fun, exciting, and rewarding job. You spend your days sharing your knowledge and chatting with guests. While you will improve your skills naturally with every tour you provide, there are some things you can to more proactive build your skills.