Tour Director Couples Traveling Together

I’m often asked about couples traveling together. Small, more local companies will often hire married tour directors (or at least let the spouse travel with the group) and so do the DMC’s (doing local programs).

To get in with the major tour operators you’ll want to prove you’re both tour directors. I would not ask about traveling together in the beginning. It may put up a warning for the tour operator that you’re looking at the career more as a vacation rather than a job. It may help if at least one of you gets hired first and then recommend the other’s skills later. (You can both apply of course.) It may be a good way to network the second person into the company.

Most often there is only one tour director on the tour since there’s usually only one motor coach. Some companies will send two coaches on popular programs. This may be a way for you to travel together with the major tour operators. I know a couple that does so.  They will often lead two motor coaches together on the National Parks tours.

Getting into the incentive market is another way to work together since you work as a team.  Again you will need to prove you are both travel staff and may want to network the second person in to the company. Again, I know a couple that often gets hired together.  The both also work for the DMC’s together.

I know this may not be what you want to hear, but the companies are leery. They want their tour members to receive outstanding service and tour members will complain if they think you are there enjoying the tour for ‘free’.  I know it sounds petty but we are watched by all.

So I guess my answer is ‘maybe’...hopefully.