Tour Leader, UK and Ireland

Tour Leader, UK and Ireland

Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead unforgettable tours, share local culture, and create amazing travel experiences.
  • Company: Join Intrepid Travel, a certified B Corp with over 35 years of adventure.
  • Benefits: Flexible freelance work, travel perks, training, and career growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Diverse team culture that values inclusion and personal expression.
  • Why this job: Inspire travellers and explore the beauty of the UK and Ireland.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills, customer service experience, and a passion for travel.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

At Intrepid Travel we exist to inspire, create, share and lead the best travel experiences ever – for both people and the planet. More than 34 years later, we’re proud to be a certified B Corp with hundreds of trips in over 100 countries.

We are Intrepid

The world needs more Intrepid people:

Do you dream of inspiring travellers and helping them fall in love with their destination by immersing them in your local culture and exposing them to real life experiences? Being a Tour Leader with Intrepid, you will do just that!

Every day will be different, but every day you will:

  • Provide exceptional customer service, storytelling and travel advice – whether it\'s guiding a morning market exploration, organising a hands‑on craft workshop, or arranging a home‑cooked meal with a local family, you’ll create unforgettable moments that our travellers will never forget.
  • Ensure the safety and well‑being of your travellers – at times, you may need to assist in challenging situations while remaining calm and professional. A traveller might lose their passport, require medical attention, or there may be a clash of personalities, and you will be their first point of contact.
  • Host, lead, and execute tours within budget, follow the itinerary, and complete your administrative duties with precision.
  • Share your passion for travel – inspire our customers with your love for travel, embodying our core values of being Ambitious, Impactful, Real, and Together at every step of the journey.

To be considered you must have:

  • Excellent communication skills in English
  • Strong customer service experience and the ability to build rapport with a broad range of travellers.
  • Travel experience in the UK and Ireland, with a passion for sharing these regions with our travellers.
  • Basic computer skills – including experience with email, Word, and Excel.
  • Full rights to work as a freelancer in these regions (we are unable to assist with obtaining freelancer registration).

What you need to know:

  • This is a freelance contract position, offering flexibility in when and how you work; however, strong commitment throughout our main season (May to September) is essential.
  • We’re currently recruiting for leaders to join us from early 2026, with training to take place from 20th‑24th April 2026 in our Brixton, London office.
  • You will have to provide us with your freelance registration details before you start.
  • With extended hours, lots of walking and activities, and close engagement with travellers, it’s important to be mentally and physically prepared for the challenge.
  • You’ll need the ability to travel and spend extended periods away from home, as some tours can last up to four weeks.
  • You will be running tours through the UK and Ireland, you can check out some example itineraries here: www.intrepidtravel.com

Our people reflect the diversity of our customers and the communities we visit:

Intrepid is made up of 71 nationalities in over 30 countries, and we recognise that diversity makes us a stronger business. We support a culture where people can be themselves and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Including First Nations People, LGBTQI+ people, those living with a disability, or from disadvantaged backgrounds, and all people from different ethnicities, races, and religions.

For our Tour Leaders, the work perks may vary from country to country, but some of the work perks we offer include:

  • A free Intrepid Trip! Enjoy the chance to experience Intrepid as a customer once you\'ve led enough trips to qualify.
  • Diverse departures throughout the year! Including hiking or biking adventures, festival, family, premium and foodie trips.
  • Travel to where the trip starts (and home again) is included and covered by us.
  • Some meals and all accommodation included - often where the guests are staying, such as hotels, camping, homestay etc.
  • Access to learning and development programs, e‑learning and comprehensive tour leader training before you even start.
  • Internal career opportunities to further your career in travel and beyond.
  • Amazing travel discounts for you to experience Intrepid as a passenger.
  • Recognition and celebration with awards nights and the chance for our top performers to travel to our yearly Global Summit!
  • Opportunity to support not-for-profit Intrepid Foundations projects.

We are Real. Together. Ambitious. Impactful. These are our values and to us they\'re more than just words, they are the pillars of our success and every day it\'s our people and the work they do that bring them to life.

We aim to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion stay part of our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustment to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at careersupport@intrepidtravel.com with your name, location, and the adjustments you require, we will then be in touch to support your application.

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Tour Leader, UK and Ireland employer: Intrepid Experience

At Intrepid Travel, we pride ourselves on being a certified B Corp that champions sustainable travel and cultural immersion. As a Tour Leader in the UK and Ireland, you will enjoy a flexible freelance role with opportunities for personal growth, diverse travel experiences, and a supportive work culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion. With comprehensive training, travel perks, and a commitment to making a positive impact, Intrepid is an exceptional employer for those passionate about inspiring others through travel.

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Contact Details:

Intrepid Experience Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Tour Leader, UK and Ireland

Get Involved in Local Travel Events

Join local tourism fairs or travel expos in your area. These events are a treasure trove for networking, and you can often meet hiring managers from companies like Intrepid Experience who are looking for fresh talent for roles like Tour Leader, UK and Ireland.

Showcase Your Travel Know-How

Create a travel blog or use social media to share your experiences and insights about different destinations. This can help you stand out to recruiters in the travel industry, demonstrating your passion for the sector and your ability to engage with an audience.

Connect with Alumni from Your School

Check out alumni groups linked to the travel and tourism sectors. Often, these connections can lead to inside info about opportunities at companies like Intrepid Experience and give you a leg up for your Tour Leader, UK and Ireland application.

Don’t Shy Away from Cold Emails

If there's a dream company you want to join, don’t hesitate to send a friendly email to their HR or recruitment team. Express your interest in their vision and mention that you’re keen on any Tour Leader, UK and Ireland openings they might have. It's a bold move, but it might just pay off!

We think you need these skills to ace Tour Leader, UK and Ireland

Exceptional Customer Service
Storytelling
Travel Advice
Safety and Well-being Management
Calmness in Challenging Situations
Tour Hosting and Execution
Budget Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Travel:In the travel and tourism industry, your love for exploration and different cultures should shine through in your application. Make sure to share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for travel—this can really set you apart when applying for the Tour Leader, UK and Ireland role at Intrepid Experience.

Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Customer service is king in travel and tourism. When detailing your work experience, focus on situations where you provided outstanding service or resolved customer issues, as this demonstrates your ability to ensure client satisfaction. Include specific examples in your CV to show that you're ready to face the challenges of the Tour Leader, UK and Ireland position at Intrepid Experience.

Keep Your CV Travel-Themed:When it comes to CV conventions in the travel industry, think of including any relevant certifications or training you've completed, like first aid or tour guiding courses. If you've travelled widely yourself, don't hesitate to mention that—it's all about showing your background fits the globetrotting vibe of Intrepid Experience.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not only explain why you're a great fit but also reflect your personality! Use this space to express what excites you about the travel sector and how you can contribute to Intrepid Experience's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Tour Leader, UK and Ireland.

How to prepare for a job interview at Intrepid Experience

Show Off Your Travel Knowledge

For a role in travel and tourism, it’s vital to demonstrate your knowledge of different destinations, cultures, and travel trends. Brush up on popular destinations and recent changes in travel restrictions. We suggest bringing some interesting travel stories or experiences to share—this can help you connect personally with the interviewer!

Prepare for Customer Scenarios

Expect to be hit with customer service scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a challenging traveller or resolve a booking issue. Think of a few real-life examples from your experiences, even if they’re just from customer service roles. This will show that you're ready for the field and have the right mindset to tackle on-the-ground challenges!

Highlight Your Flexibility and Passion

In a full-time travel position, there are often irregular hours and spontaneous travel opportunities. Be sure to convey your flexibility and willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of this industry. Let’s showcase that enthusiasm for travel and how it drives your decision-making!

Know the Tools of the Trade

Get familiar with travel booking systems and tools, such as Amadeus or Sabre. If you have experience using any specific software or even social media for travel promotions, bring that up! We want to show that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to their processes at Intrepid Experience.