STARTING GUIDE
Thanks for choosing to be part of Lokafy. We have prepared this small guidebook for you to get started! Including all the steps, from being assigned to hosting your first tour, as well as other significant information.
It's like showing the city to your friends!
What's a Lokafyer?
A Lokafyer:
Is a passionate local working with us as a Freelancer.
Gets paid by the hours at a set rate, depending on the number of people on the tour.
Must represent Lokafy, and the standards of the organization while they deliver a tour
Will get assigned to more experiences based on their performance.
Onboarding process
Studying the STARTING GUIDE is the last step of the onboarding process, you are now ready to have your first experience as a Lokafyer.
If you have been assigned a tour, be sure to save the date and time in your calendar.
We are counting on you!
> Steps to your first tour >
Before the tour
Remember to get in contact with the travelers before the tour (through WhatsApp or email), and let them know how to identify you. Ask if they have any special requests.
If you don't hear back, assume the tour is still happening as the travelers might not have access to email or data. These are pre-paid tours, so please save the date unless you hear from us.
Prepare yourself!
Make sure that you have:
→ the pick-up location
→ the travelers’ names
→ other relevant information like their language, nationality, etc.
Do your research and update your information on:
roads. know what the conditions are like, if any roads are closed, and if you can walk by them.
sites. access, opening & closing hours, events, etc.
facilities. restrooms, hospitals, local restaurants, shopping areas, exchange money houses, and transportation.
forecast. weather, temperature, and others.
Plan an itinerary!
Based on your recommendations and/or the travelers’ requests and expectations, plan a practical itinerary. Remember to focus on one area of the city* & define a route and a length.
Avoid places that charge entrance fees, unless the travelers cover the costs, including your entrance.**
Also, steer clear of places/activities that can put at risk the traveler’s wellness at.
The itinerary can change in the following situations:
→ If the weather stops/impedes the activity.
→ If it is no longer safe to walk.
→ If unexpected events or activities prevent it, and/or unexpected opportunities.
* In case the tour is long enough, you can plan to visit multiple areas in town.
** You can suggest the travelers visit those places on their own, and after the tour is done.
During the tour
Once you get to the meeting point, wait for the travelers to arrive in case they have not*.
Introduce yourself, share your social name and get to know each traveler in the group as soon as you get to them.
You can provide some health, and safety tips. Suggest drinking bottled water only - to not get dehydrated, mention that it may take a while to get used to the local food and this could upset their stomachs a bit. Strongly recommend taking care of their belongings, and to be very careful when crossing roads.
Finally, patiently explain the route you’ll be covering during the tour. Explain how difficult the walk will be, and start walking!
* We will always ask you to wait for the travelers at least for 30 minutes. In case they do not show up, contact us at +1 647-725-7766 and explain the situation. Remember to click a selfie with meeting point as background and send it to us. You will be compensated for the first hour of the tour since we recognize that you have invested your time and money waiting for the travelers.
Walking tips
Never walk too far ahead from the travelers, and make sure no traveler is standing behind you. Set your pace to the same speed as the slowest traveler
Always face the travelers while you speak, and wait until the travelers are together and paying attention before starting your explanation. Be sure to involve everyone so no one feels left out.
Choose a place that is big enough for you to stop at, and make sure you are not blocking a walkway or entrance.
When you talk, stand in the shade and do not leave people out in the sun!
Tell your explanation before you get to a place if there is no space to talk, e.g. when the walkway is too narrow to stop, or when walking by famous sceneries.
Show buildings from a distance, e.g. across the street, and smaller details from close by. Point out items as precisely as you could.
Always check how the travelers are doing and make sure you can always see them. Pay attention to the tourists' body language, and to what they say. So you can have a broad perception of their reactions.
Be careful when you turn corners so that you don't lose the travelers who have not seen that you have turned.
Make the experience even better!
You must follow an itinerary, but you can also give extra information and support on the tour.
Talk about what the travelers notice, and what they are interested in, e.g. any unusual or interesting activity, local events; as well as other current issues/problems that affect the locals.
You can suggest to them what to do in their free time. Most tourists will have no idea about what to do after the tour.
You can give some suggestions, ideas, and options like:
places to eat. e.g. restaurants, cafes, food trucks
things to see. e.g. museums, markets, shops, etc.
things to do. e.g. cycling, kayaking, getting a massage, etc.
transportation and mobility.
Also, you can give directions to the local facilities. e.g. banks/ATMs, pharmacies/clinics, and/or points/places of interest.
End on a positive note!
Prepare the travelers for the end of the tour so that it doesn’t end abruptly. Make sure travelers know their way back and feel comfortable navigating the city.
After the tour
We appreciate your feedback <3
Complete the feedback form, mention anything that happened during the tour that might be extraordinary. And add your payout preference.
If we have all the details required, you will receive your payment within a week after the tour. If there is any delay or you have any questions regarding payment, you can email us at info@lokafy.com!
Remember, we will pay you for the hours booked on the system. If the time is up and travelers want to extend the tour, it is your responsibility to collect the payment for the extra hours in cash.
Lokafy Growth Team, 2023
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