Local guided walking or van tours

Tourists, visiting friends and family, local residents looking for a weekend activity, and small groups such as bachelorette parties or team outings.

Price per person per tour, plus private group bookings at a higher flat rate. Add-ons like tastings or merchandise can lift income per tour.

• Storytelling and public speaking
• Deep knowledge of your local area
• Route planning and time management
• Customer service

• Some cities license tour guides or restrict commercial groups in parks and historic districts, check with your city or county
• General liability insurance, and commercial auto coverage if you carry passengers
• If you use a van for paying passengers, check state and local rules for passenger transport and driver requirements
• If tours include food or alcohol, check health department and alcohol permit rules with partner venues
• Income depends on season and weather, so plan for slow months

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your route, marketing, insurance and whether you use a van. Walking tours generally need less than tours that carry passengers.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on group sizes, ticket prices and how often you run tours. Income depends on season and weather, so plan for slow months.

Check whether your city or county licenses tour guides or restricts commercial groups in parks and historic districts. Also check insurance, passenger transport and driver rules if you use a van, and health or alcohol permit rules if tours include food or drink.