Reading Emily’s blog from earlier this month, which explains her role as a Green Light tour coordinator, resulted in more than a few subtle heads nods and “mmhmms” from me (I was, after all, reading it in a crowded airport).

Why the empathy?

I am a tour manager…an obscure, amazing, and challenging job that the general population has no idea exists.

Four years into it, I have finally nailed down the questions people ask most. Yes, this is my full-time job. No, I’m most likely not from the city we’re traveling in, but I probably do know it like the back of my hand! Yes, I study a lot. A lot. Google Maps is my best friend.

Even after all these basics, I still don’t feel like many go away actually understanding what it is I do, and I don’t blame them. There is no comprehensive list of responsibilities, no guarantee of what I will or will not have to do, and therein lies the purpose of the tour manager. If it’s true in life, it’s especially true in travel – stuff happens! It just does. Knocked-out teeth, snow closures, bus breakdowns…you name it, and part of my job is to take whatever that may be and make the best of it.

Of course, not all aspects of my job are unpredictable. I keep an eye on the schedule, make sure we don’t get lost, give little intros so everyone knows what we’re seeing or about to see, I handle all the billing and tips, reconfirm with our vendors…this list goes on and on. You wouldn’t believe the seemingly minute details that can affect a tour. Just knowing where the bus can pull up and which door to go through is half of it!

That being said, I try to go into each tour with an open mind; this job is very personal, and each group relates differently and has their own needs. Some groups are old hat and comfortable in a city, and just want me there as a helping hand. Others want that “knowledgeable friend” to stick around and take the reigns. Both ways are great, and I enjoy finding a balance that makes everyone happy.

So there you have it. I travel, go through a laundry list of errands, and “handle” (eh, Scandal fans?) any situations that may come our way. And, it would be wrong of me to exclude a major component of my job – FUN. Yes, the caps are warranted! I have the best job on the planet, perhaps second only to the Ben & Jerry’s taste testers…

See you on the road!