When planning the perfect tour, many guides these days turn to indispensable tech tools like ChatGPT for help with routes, translations, and cultural tidbits. While AI can be incredibly useful, there are certain unspoken truths about travelers that only experience and empathy can teach.
I’ve been to my share of tours around the world, and one thing that caught my attention is how taxing a tour can be. While travelers might smile and follow along, there are plenty of unspoken needs, discomforts, and expectations we won’t always express. Whether out of politeness, language barriers, or simply not wanting to hold up the group, many won’t speak up. Here are a few things every tour guide should keep in mind that might not show up in an AI-generated itinerary.
“Free With Tips” Isn’t Free
Most travelers these days know that free tours aren’t free at all and tips are expected. Honestly, we don’t mind paying the tips, it’s just that we need to figure out how much we should be paying for them. My wife and I joined a free walking tour in Barcelona, and we were perfectly satisfied with the tour guide. Except that when it comes to tipping, we were just clueless about how much to give. I believe many travelers feel awkward in that final situation. I think if the tour guide had been transparent about what the customary amount is, it would have avoided us from confusion or embarrassment.
Being in a Rush
I remember being on my first tour around Singapore when I was just 10 years old. We literally had breakfast before the sun could rise so that we could be ready for the tour bus to pick us up. From all the vague memories I have from the tour, the ones that still haunt me are being in a rush. I understand it’s tempting to keep the group on a tight schedule. After all, there’s a lot to see. But remember that travelers are on vacation, not on a military drill. Some are adjusting to jet lag, unfamiliar weather, or just want to savor each moment, especially for people like me. Please allow for pauses, photo stops, and spontaneous curiosity. A great guide knows how to balance timing with flexibility.
Language Barrier
Based on my observation from traveling to almost 40 countries, most people who travel in pairs or a group always have a person who speaks English or the local language. This becomes an issue when choosing a tour because they need to pick a tour that can cater to their spouse or family members. Otherwise, they need to act as the interpreter between the tour guide and the significant others.
This happens to me when I travel with my mother-in-law, where my wife becomes her interpreter while traveling in Japan. It’s not easy to find a tour guide who is multilingual, and even so, they need to speak the right language to the right audience.
However, in today’s high-tech world, tour guides could consider embracing some apps that can enable them to speak in various languages at once. One such tool is the BiiB app, which acts as a live audio guide, allowing the tour members to listen in their own language.
Water
One common question comes to travelers’ minds before they leave their hotel rooms — “Should I stay hydrated? Will there be bathrooms around?” Some would rather not drink enough to avoid the need to go. However, dehydration can ruin a traveler’s experience, especially in hot destinations. My wife sometimes experiences mild heat strokes while we travel to countries like Thailand and Malaysia.
Thus, it’s good to think far by providing complimentary liquid for travelers who may need to rehydrate themselves. A small bottle of water might make a big difference between a happy tourist and a miserable one. It’s also good to remind people to bring water. If local tap water isn’t safe to drink, please say so clearly. Don’t assume everyone knows.
Toilets
Great! So we encouraged people to stay hydrated, and now they all need to go. One of the most underestimated needs on any tour is restroom access. Always know where convenient toilets are along your route. Do announce them proactively. Some travelers might be too shy to ask, especially if they’re not fluent in the local language. If you can’t find a good restroom, please let them know in advance. Also, please be prepared for unexpected stops. As the saying goes, “When you gotta go, you gotta go!”
Some Can’t Continuously Walk
If the tour requires lots of walking or hiking up flights of stairs, take the proactive approach of informing the group. Not every traveler is in peak physical condition. Some may have joint pain, limited mobility, or simply be older and need more frequent rests. Before long walks or uphill hikes, offer clear descriptions of the terrain and duration. Provide alternatives if possible. Inclusion isn’t just polite, it’s professional.
Final Thoughts
I don’t see ChatGPT completely replacing tour guides anytime soon, and I also know being a tour guide isn’t easy. But the best guides should understand that small details make the biggest difference in a traveler’s experience. ChatGPT can offer comprehensive itineraries and deep facts about landmarks while we tour, but the human side of guiding can’t be replaced by AI. Know your group, respect their limits, and lead with empathy. That will lead to a smoother, more comfortable, and truly memorable touring experience.