Transportation choices for a city tour

The discussion here is how to choose the best transportation means between scenic spots when doing a city tour.

The most common choice is a pre-booked vehicle, either it‘s a coach, a van or a car. Choose dynamically according to the number of travelers and their specific needs. During time on the way, tour guide shall appropriately introduce scenery along the road or some local culture/life. When communicating with clients, do turn back to

make eye contact and to address their interest. The tour guide needs to pay attention to their own safety if standing on the vehicle to talk. Do not stand talking while the vehicle starts/stops.

For individual travelers, tour guide has a wider range of selection for transportation. Taxi, metro, bus, etc., the guide may choose the most efficient means considering distance and budget. One thing in mind, try avoiding peak hours in the city. Travelers only want to experience the local way, not to get jammed or crowded in public transportations.

Guided tours from a coach

Locate a good coach and cooperate with the driver at all times. The coach and driver are important supporters to ensure successful coach sightseeing tours. It is important to locate the best coach and driver before the sightseeing tours, booked in advance. During the tour - take note of the coach colour, number, and parking location.

Planning with the driver

Communicate with the driver about itinerary, time, stops, and other things that relevant to the guided tours. The driver knows the tour, but it is worthwhile confirming again in person. Exchanging mobile numbers between the driver and tour guide is also necessary.

Now let us focus on your clients. Besides the tour introduction the following points will contribute to a successful coach tour.

Is everybody on the coach and safely seated? Count the heads before departure. If you are on a big coach that requires walking to the end for accurate counting, you may count once more from back to front ensuring all people are boarded. Have a quick look at overhead luggage. Make sure there is no easy-fall-off items. Remind the tourists of safety belts or other facilities. Ask them please not to walk when the coach is moving. Don‘t forget to introduce the coach, its number, colour, etc.

A great comfortable tour is impossible without the support your clients. So do make a note in advance if you are on a non-smoking coach. Shall eating and drinking be avoided while on the coach? Where they can find the disposal bag or garbage bin?

3. Tour duration

Guided tours may last from 45 minutes to one day. Short-term tours (from 1 to 3- 4 days) are called weekend breaks. They may include several tours of different time duration.

Tour length

Avoid overloading with information is important. Because of the limited time on a tour, a good tour guide will try to find the clients‘ interests and thus focusing more on relevant aspects. How? Ask the client beforehand. Even with routine sightseeing tours, it could turn out differently with different travelers. Do not hesitate to add a simple question ―Do you have any special interests?‖ Listen to them on the sightseeing tours. Listening is a kind of art. From the questions they asked and their personal backgrounds mentioned, you can detect what they might be more interested in.

Sightseeing Tour length is an important element to consider when preparing commentary on a tour. If the travelers have a longer sightseeing tour with you, it is a good opportunity for you to share more knowledge and wisdom. Separate general information throughout days. Do not talk over all on one day and stay quiet on the other day. A day with certain theme requires commentary sticking to the same theme. Try different routes back to the accommodation, so that you won‘t repeat similar contents.

One more point, when you are working together with another tour guide, e.g. national guide, local guide, or tour leader, cooperate in what to say in your commentary. Travelers don‘t want repeated information.

6. By the form of realization

· outing (экскурсия-прогулка);

· lecture (экскурсия-лекция);

· concert (экскурсия-концерт);

· performance (экскурсия-спектакль)

· training guided tour (учебная экскурсия)

· FAM guided tour (рекламная экскурсия)