13 things trip leaders and tour guides want you to know

Number 8 is a serious reality check 

13 things tour guides want you to know
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When it comes to dream jobs, being a tour guide that gets to travel the world is probably pretty high on the list. But Dan Kilgore, a Topdeck Trip Leader in Europe, reckons there's a bit more to it than first meets the eye...

1. People think we're paid to travel, but it's actually harder than it looks

"You may not believe it, but being a Trip Leader at Topdeck is one of the most demanding jobs I've ever had. Factor in the two stage application process and seven week training course that each and every seasoned traveller undertakes and you learn very quickly that this is anything but a 'free holiday'. We're responsible for researching and delivering each trip and have to be 'on' all the time."

2. It's a lifestyle, not a job

"This job has changed the way I travel in my down time. As Trip Leaders, we can be on the road for 80 days at a time with just two to three days off between each trip. As a result, I'm always restless to discover something new and have a constant case of itchy feet. Settling down is not in my vocabulary, much to the dismay of my family."

3. You become a minimalist not by choice, but by necessity

"When everything you own fits into one backpack, you realise you don't need that much to survive. After six years on the road, I've become a bit of a packing pro. I've found that I can get by with an outfit for each climate change, a good book and some vitamins to keep me fit. Anything more than that, and I start to feel weighed down. After all, who wants to be exploring the ruins of the Colosseum with the whole of Italy sitting on their back? Possessions get in the way of experiences."

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4. Your passengers become your best friends

"The hardest part of any trip is saying goodbye to the passengers at the end. Some of my best friends are people I've met as a Trip Leader. As most passengers are around my age and share my love of travel, it's easy to find common ground. Throw in a heap of shared memories, and it's hard not to form a strong bond with them. I also have a separate Facebook account to stay in touch with all my past passengers and am always excited when our paths cross again and we get to catch up."

5. Your crew becomes your extended family

"The connection I have with other road crew, especially those I've trained with, runs deep. Whenever we bump into one another, the excitement cannot be contained. To succeed on the road, you've got to have a certain attitude and this can't be taught. You are driven by a passion and the need to share it with the young people who travel with Topdeck, and will go above and beyond to deliver a life-changing experience. Knowing that other road crew share this enthusiasm, and face the same challenges, lays the groundwork for a pretty unique friendship."

6. You realise you can survive on four hours sleep a night

"In order to accommodate the needs of all my passengers, I'm usually the last to bed and first to rise. #MorningPerson. Despite how exhausted I may be feeling on the day, I'm always the first to breakfast so that I can offer up advice or answer any questions passengers may have. Berocca and coffee go a long way!"

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7. We don't read a script

"I have to learn, create and memorise all of my own spiels to present to the passengers. There are certain pieces of history and sights that need to be included in each Topdeck trip, but it's entirely up to me how I deliver the information and what interesting facts I include.'

8. We play the role of mum, dad, counsellor, accountant, mentor and ultimately best friend to up to 50 people at a time

"Being a seasoned traveller is more than just showing people around some cool destinations and hurling a few facts at them. Often working alone with the support of a driver (plus a chef on camping trips), it's up to me to make sure everything runs smoothly. I'm responsible for managing all expenses, booking and arranging activities, providing recommendations for how passengers can spend their free time, building and maintaining a positive group and working out any kinks that may pop up on the road."

"we play the role of mum, dad, counsellor, accountant, mentor and best friend all at once."

9. The road becomes your home

"Sometimes I can be on the road for up to 80-days at a time without a break. In one year, I can spend up to 250 days continuously on the road. When travel is your mundane, familiarity is what makes somewhere feel like home and the nomadic lifestyle becomes as comforting as staying in one place. That's not to say it doesn't get tough, but the highs are so worth it."

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10. Travel days aren't all that bad

"The coach is the perfect place to chill, interact with passengers, catch up on paperwork and ultimately take a chance to breathe amidst the chaos. As much as I enjoy exploring the places we visit, I find myself looking forward to the drives after a busy few days taking in all the sights a place has to offer. It's also the best way to appreciate the scenery whilst contemplating the experiences– Switzerland, Scandinavia and the Balkan Coast are among my favourite regions to drive through."

11. You become a master at 'reading' people

"No two passengers are alike, so I've become a pro at inferring the likes and dislikes of my passengers. This way, I can recommend the best experiences for each passenger."

12. Holiday romance really can last

"I've had passengers that have met on a trip, got married and had children.Something about experiencing a new place together really seems to dial up the romance whilst introducing you to people that you might never have met in 'real life'."

13. Trip reunions are a big deal

"I've known passengers who have flown half way around the world to meet up with their mates they met on a trip. Once you've experienced the magic of a group trip, the bonds you create really can last forever."

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Suffering from a fit of wanderlust after hearing about Dan's adventures? Check out the European trip that Topdeck has to offer here.

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