Adventure tourism

In a nutshell

If you like adventure in your life and want to get a kick out of your work, why not go abseiling, skydiving or caving as part of your graduate career? As an adventure tour guide, you could be involved in researching and planning treks or expeditions and then providing the equipment and expertise needed to run them successfully.

You might need to find out which season is suitable for a proposed trip and where to find the best sites. It is important to gain the general skills of a tour guide as well as experience and knowledge of the activities you will be organising. Safety regulations are crucial and for some roles you’ll be required to complete a competency course (for example, a lifesaving course) or gain a first-aid qualification.

Working environment

Where you can work is as varied as the activities you can organise. You could be taking people hiking in the Lake District, white-water kayaking in Scotland, or trekking through a rainforest in Puerto Rico.

Since some work is seasonal you could use the opportunity to gain experience in summer and winter activities, as well as working overseas. Careers in adventure tourism can include desk-based work – for instance researching trips and planning itineraries – as well as leading tours.

Getting in and getting on

• You could be taking clients on the adventure of a lifetime and expectations will be high – so excellent organisational and planning skills are a must.
• A friendly, calm and confident personality will also help you to communicate with those around you, even in stressful situations.
• It probably doesn’t need to be said that a willingness to travel can be necessary in this area of work.
• It is also important to be culturally sensitive and respectful when working abroad.
• Energy, fitness and good health are also obvious prerequisites in this area.