Maps vs. GPS

The trusty road atlas has fallen out of favour over the last few years as technology caught up with demand and GPS navigation systems became more affordable to the masses. GPS is definitely a must have for any guide, it gets you from point A to B in the shortest time possible and helps you out in a pinch if you happen to take the wrong turn, but should this really be a reason to recycle your maps?

GPS quickly and efficiently calculates the route you need to follow whereas a map gives you the big picture of the area you are heading to/through. What happens when a tourist would like to see the layout and boundaries of the provinces? How would you show them the size of the Kruger National Park in relation to the size of the country? How do you show them exactly where you’re heading if you don’t have a map with you?

Maps come in hundreds of different varieties, from road atlases to pocket guides. You get specialised maps of areas such as the Kruger National Park, Winelands, Panorama, Drakensberg , Richtersveld, the Garden Route, 4 X 4 routes, flower route map and dive site to name but a few.

GPS might be the new kid on the block but that good old trusty map that has laid forgotten in the glove box is still a handy tool for any tourist guide.

10 things no guide should be without

1. Q-cards

2. A good map or GPS

3. Spare microphone

4. Torch

5. Multi tool

6. Cell phone (with air time) and charger

7. 1st aid kit

8. Own medication

9. Patience

10. Sense of humour

What Makes A Good Guide?

As with everything in life a good guide is a matter of opinion and personal preference. There is some truth in the saying that you can please some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time. There is however a few guidelines that help dictate what a good guide should be:

A tour guide needs to advocate enjoyment. The main reason people go on holiday is to enjoy themselves and to relax, to see a new part of the country or world and to go back home enriched and well rested. Even though we travel for enjoyment learning something about the place you are visiting helps enforce that ‘holiday feeling’ we are all looking for.

A tour guide needs to be well organized. A lot of guides work for tour operators and thus think that they don’t have to be bothered with the small organizing details, this type of thinking can lead to catastrophe. A guide always need to ensure that he/she knows the route and the arrangements off by heart, having an alternative backup plan or two will ensure that your group is always well taken care of and that all possible scenarios are covered.

A tour guide needs relevant knowledge. This doesn’t just refer to the area they are guiding in but also about the people they are guiding. A guide needs to know what interests his group as well as any cultural/ethnic considerations that need to be addressed.

A tour guide needs to be well spoken and well dressed. A guide is the introduction to the area or country he/she is guiding in. A guide is essentially the representative of a brand and product. It is the guide’s duty to portray a polished well rounded image of his profession and his/her area of operation.

A tour guide needs to be a Jack-of-all-trades. A tour guide needs to know a little of everything, not just facts and figures. Sometimes a guide will need to be a nanny, first aider, counselor, handyman, chef, problem solver or even a cheerleader. You never know what a client will require from you, always try to assist as well as you can and always within reason.

There are many traits and guidelines to follow to be a good guide but only through trial and error will you be able to find the right formula for you.

Visit our Tourist Guide and Event Support website for more information about Tourist Guides and Tour Operators.