ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL GUIDE'S HANDBOOK:
The Professional Guide's Handbook is written for contemporary professionals – those who constantly strive to be the very best guide they can be, who care deeply for the guest experience, and who desire to travel and recreate in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, the Professional Guide's Handbook ensures that you are not just a competent adventure travel trip leader, but a leader in your field.
"If you believe adventure tourism can and must be a force of good in this world, then The Professional Guide's Handbook is a must read."
-Matt Kareus, Executive Director
International Galapagos Tour Operators Association
WHAT'S INSIDE?
PART I
Part I lays the foundation for what adventure travel is and encompasses, and we examine the role of a professional guide.
PART II
Part II introduces the guide as an inspired leader of expedition teams.
PART III
Part III reveals the specific practices guides use to competently plan professional-level trips and for smoothly managing challenging guests and situations.
PART IV
Part IV focuses on transformative travel experiences, interpretation, and responsible visitation.
PART V
Part V offers insight into what it is like to be a professional guide, through the lenses of employment and lifestyle.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
"Colby has nailed the totality of guiding adventure travel trips. The Professional Guide’s Handbook is a must-read for all aspiring guides, current guides and adventure travel operators that hire guides."
JIM SANO
VP CONSERVATION TRAVEL, WORLD WILDLIFE FUND (WWF) + FORMER PRESIDENT GEOGRAPHIC EXPEDITIONS AND YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK DISTRICT NATURALIST
"In an industry with no official training path, this book is the most accurate trail map a guide could ask for. Colby has crafted an immense set of knowledge into an entertaining and educational masterpiece. I've been a guide service owner for over 30 years and have now made The Professional Guide's Handbook mandatory reading for all new and current guides."
IAN ELMAN
FOUNDER + PRESIDENT, SOUTHERN YOSEMITE MOUNTAIN GUIDES (SYMG)
"Colby has written the current apogee of resources in this field. The Professional Guides Handbook covers material in an aptly applied manner with modern frames of operation, relevant new and updated themes that neophytes and old hands alike will find invaluable. The international guidesphere has needed this for a long time."
GRAHAM CHARLES
PRESIDENT, POLAR TOURISM GUIDES ASSOCIATION (PTGA) + EXPEDITION LEADER
"Colby Brokvist… is rare among [guides], literally one of the best I’ve ever spent time with. Anyone lacking Colby’s seasoned eye could not have offered such valuable practical advice regarding the interpretive aspects of a guide’s job."
SAM HAM
EMERITUS PROFESSOR + AUTHOR: INTERPRETATION, MAKING A DIFFERENCE ON PURPOSE
"Colby wisely emphasizes the broader humanistic side of guiding, focusing on the people who come knocking, full of aspirations and fears. Working with their dreams is the true art of guiding."
DOUG ROBINSON
FIRST PRESIDENT, AMERICAN MOUNTAIN GUIDES ASSOCIATION (AMGA)
"In the world of guiding, there is no substitute for direct experience like Colby’s. The lessons within The Professionals Guide’s Handbook are a must-read for aspiring guides getting their start in the industry, but also for veterans looking to hone their skills and take them to the next level."
GRAHAM OTTLEY
TECHNICAL SUPPORT MANAGER + INSTRUCTOR, COLORADO MOUNTAIN CLUB
"The Professional Guide's Handbook is required reading for all adventure travel guides. Colby not only shares the vital and complicated skills required to guide adventure travelers to the most remote corners of the planet, but he also captures the essence of guiding as a profession and the burning passions required to succeed at the highest level. If you want to be a great guide, read this book and pay attention."
BEN BRESSLER
FOUNDER + PRESIDENT, NATURAL HABITAT ADVENTURES
"Many guides learned their craft on the job over years or decades. With this handbook, new guides will have valuable techniques, insights and examples at their fingertips that otherwise would take them years to learn. Veteran guides will see themselves and their guests in these pages, be reenergized for their work, and be reminded why they chose this career."
SUE PERIN
FIELD STAFF TRAINING AND EDUCATION SPECIALIST, LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS
