When in Japan, do as the Japanese do: hang up an ema, a Shinto votive plaque. (photo by Lee Su-ling)

The popular Japanese TV show TV Champion's raison d'etre is to demonstrate the abundance of expertise that resides in seemingly unassuming individuals. In Taiwan, there is no shortage of talent capable of competing with the people who appear on that TV show, and whereas in the past they might have been lost in the crowd, the advent of the blog has made it possible for them to gain broader recognition and even in some cases establish their own "name brand," turning their interests into bona-fide careers as experts leading themed tours.

It sure sounds glamorous, but these one-person startups are more demanding than they appear.

In order to protect the safety of the travelers in their charge, hobbyists-cum-travel guides cooperate with established travel agencies. The guides can focus on leadership and planning the itinerary while the agencies supply resources and assistance from behind the scenes. It's a scenario that benefits both parties.

Ever since the requirements for obtaining a tour guide license were relaxed in 2004, it has been easier for self-made experts to conduct tours. Up until that point the test was only available to those with a related degree or those already working in the tourist industry, but the change in regulations opened the test to anyone with a high-school diploma. The test itself covers first-aid knowledge, travel safety and emergency management. Passing it entitles the individual to head tours in the Chinese-speaking areas of Hong Kong, Macao, and mainland China.

To obtain a permit for non-Chinese regions, the prospective guide must demonstrate proficiency in one of six different languages: English, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, or Korean. Travel agencies generally enjoy working with the expert hobbyist types as long as they have the necessary credentials because they save overhead costs when they don't have to provide a guide themselves.