Steps for Becoming a Travel Companion
A travel companion is a person that accompanies a traveler while providing assistance, supervision, nursing care, or just companionship. A companion can also act as a driver during a long road trip. If you want to become a travel companion, here are the major steps to follow.
Step 1: Research
Start by learning as much as possible about providing companionship to travelers as a career. For instance, you should be knowledgeable about airlines and traveling globally. You may also need experience in providing care. Being knowledgeable about travel in general is important because it will enable you to help travelers in making travel decisions.
Step 2: Train
You may need training in specific areas. For instance, if you want to become a travel companion for the disabled, undergo training in providing healthcare to such people. This will enable you to provide the assistance they need when training. It’s also important to acquire the necessary experience before you start marketing yourself as a travel companion. Travel companions require organizational skills. They should also be caring, sympathetic, and capable of establishing relationships with new people.
Step 3: Work with Travel Companies
Find legitimate travel companies that may need a travel companion. Some companies need companions to go with their clients to different places. Be ready to be screened and vetted before you’re allowed to accompany travelers. This is very important because travel companies want their clients to feel comfortable when traveling with their companions.
Step 4: Get Marketable Credentials
Providing travel companionship is a competitive career. However, you need credentials and experience to have a competitive edge. For instance, you can acquire basic life support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certifications to have an edge in the job market. A clean record and excellence in companionship service delivery can also make you more competitive in the job market.
Becoming a travel companion has varying requirements depending on the position that a person chooses. In some places, you may also need certification or licensing to work as a travel companion. Nevertheless, providing travel companionship can be a rewarding career if you excel in it.