Among the dream jobs for those who love to travel or dream of discovering the world, the profession of travel tester is a damn good one if you're on the move and thirsty for discovery. Tempted by adventure? Here's everything you need to know about the profession of travel tester..
What is a travel tester?
Becoming a travel tester is a bit like becoming a mystery shopper. It's a person whose job it is to be paid to test trips or sightseeing tours, for example, in order to evaluate them and then give their opinion. The information provided by testers enables travel agencies to improve their products and services. It is also useful to tourists in helping them choose their destination and accommodation.
What does a travel tester do?
The job of a travel tester is to pretend to be an ordinary customer and evaluate a hotel, particularly in terms of welcome, service, cleanliness, food... But don't let them notice you, or the game will be distorted. So don't expect a VIP welcome, because the establishment needs you. It's exactly the opposite, and you need to go completely unnoticed in all circumstances, even when things go wrong. Discreet people who know how to adapt to any environment are therefore very welcome.
What skills do I need to become a travel tester?
Does this dream job appeal to you, and would you like to become a travel product tester and give your opinion? Find out what qualities recruiters look for!
- Good writing skills are a must. After an all-expenses-paid stay in Barcelona, Rio, Brest..., and once the products have been evaluated, a travel product tester will have to work. He or she will give the recruiter a very detailed report on each assignment, accompanied by photos, and then send it to the agency. If you're not very good at writing or spelling, don't bother.
- You need to be discreet and highly observant, so as not to miss any important details. Thoroughness is a must!
- A critical mind is also important in order to identify areas for improvement in the product proposed by the agency.
- A good visual memory is also essential for becoming a tourism product tester. You'll sometimes have to justify certain comments you make.
- If you have children or a possessive, even intrusive family, you'll also have to forget about this job. You'll need to be very available and flexible in your schedule: you may have to go on a real round-the-world trip to unusual destinations. And it goes without saying that the kangaroo option (traveling with children) is not an option.
- Bilingualism in English is also essential, as the travel tester will often be called upon to travel to the four corners of the globe. A passion for travel is obviously essential!
This job, often considered a dream job, isn't as simple as you might think. It requires a great deal of investment and energy, in order to provide constructive critical experience and possible avenues for improvement. What's more, the pace is often intense, hotels change frequently, and the assignments don't always match the mystery shopper's desires.
How do I become a travel tester?
Want to know how and where to apply to test travel-related products? Find out which companies are hiring!
- Wonderbox gift boxes hire testers, but they are unpaid.
- Many research institutes are looking for mystery shoppers, and not just in the cosmetics field! You can get in touch with them directly: QCM France, MKG Qualiting, Vitalis Consulting, Orphée, Masters Consultants, Qualimarket, Qualimetrie, DMS...
- Travel agencies and tour operators are among the biggest recruiters of travel testers, of course. The advantage of testing tour operator products is that they offer a wide range of products. However, some of them expect a truly professional approach and will not accept beginners. This is the case with Marmara , which recruits travel testers as quality auditors, i.e. real professionals.
- Campsite and hotel chains, as well as numerous tourism organizations, may also need your services. Think about contacting them directly. An unsolicited application can open many doors for you.
- Tour guide companies are also regularly on the lookout for hotel and restaurant reviewers.
When you apply for a job, you often have to fill in a questionnaire to specify your areas of interest and the offers that match them. This enables companies to request testers for assignments that suit them from a panel.
How much does a travel tester earn?
Those whose sole aim is to earn money from this job are likely to be very disappointed, as travel testers are generally not remunerated , since specialized agencies assume that they travel on an all-expenses-paid basis..
However, some companies do pay their travel testers around 100 to 200 euros per trip, which isn't very much after all. So, while being a travel tester can help you make ends meet, don't count on it as a full-fledged job! In fact, it's more a form of compensation than a real salary that you'll receive at the end of your assignment.
Ideally, therefore, you should have a side job as a travel tester, so that you receive a salary every month. Bear in mind, too, that this job should allow you to free yourself up easily to go on assignments at short notice, whether in Singapore, the Maldives, Paris or other destinations. If you work on a freelance basis, for example, becoming a travel tester can be a really good way of making ends meet.
Who's a cruise tester?
Available from April to September, cruise testing is the ideal job for adventure lovers! During this period, you'll be sailing the Mediterranean, while from November to February you'll be touring the North Sea or the Caribbean. However, this tour is not about taking it easy, as the main role of the tester is not to be forgotten. This involves testing the various services offered on the cruise ship, as well as taking photos, making reports and conducting interviews to promote the company to customers.
To be selected for this position, it's best to have a sea legs. It would be a pity to spend your time fighting seasickness throughout the cruise. What's more, the companies are looking for someone with a free schedule, an adventurous profile and preferably a background in communications.
The candidate with whom to cruise must be qualified to use an SLR camera, with knowledge of video editing. He or she should also have a good penmanship. However, it's not always essential to have the necessary equipment. Usually, equipment is provided by the cruise line.
