Guides plan and carry out all aspects of a trip, and in doing so are required to wear several hats leader, educator, problem-solver, and entertainer. They greet and transport guests, plan the daily itinerary, describe and interpret the natural environment and local culture, answer a million questions, advise guests on safety issues and procedures, deal with emergencies when they arise, and give all sorts of personal assistance. A large percentage of guides are in their 20s. Some in the Pacific Northwest paddle the forested coast of BC or Washington State in the summer and then travel to Baja, Belize, or beyond in the winter or work as ski guides or instructors. You can expect to be mostly paid by the hour, or possibly on a per-tour basis.
Pay is higher for fully catered trips.
Money aside, this is a wonderful job because it gets you into the outdoors, keeps you in good shape, exposes you to beautiful areas of the world. It also gives you a chance to help your clients push their comfort zones and get past their fears. At the same time, it s a challenge physically and mentally. It can be exhaust ing to spend long hours on the go, in all sorts of weather conditions, trying to please all clients and ensure their safety. Another downside is that your work schedule is highly uncertain as trips sometimes get canceled due to weather or lack of enrollment.