5 Things we look for in a trip leader

Jan 27, 2021

Detours prides itself on having the best and most personable, engaging, talented, and fun trip leaders in the business, and our guests are always reminding us that it’s the main reason they come back time and time again.

The role of a trip leader isn’t one that’s easily defined. It’s a role that seamlessly shifts between coordinator, negotiator, mediator, planner, banker, teacher, listener, mentor and friend. Here’s 5 things we look for in a trip leader:

*Click each photo to learn more about our trip leaders*

1. They’re definitely uhh.. gay 🏳️‍🌈

Given that we are ‘gay adventure travel’ this may not come as a surprise, but having your trip leader understand you and what it’s like to be a gay traveler in the places we visit is important to us. It’s your vacation after all so we want you to feel as comfortable and safe as possible, and we find having a gay trip leader makes all the difference.

Dan

2. They're expert multitaskers & always 3 steps ahead 🏃🏼‍♂️💨

Our trip leaders really get to know the destinations they lead in, which helps them stay a few steps ahead of you. They’ll know what to suggest when and where so that you don’t have to worry about anything. They have the ability to manage multiple personalities and conversations, while planning activities, confirming dinner reservations, checking the weather forecast, and all while doing backflips off a boat (ok, that part’s just Dan 😝)

Shane

3. They’re a lot of fun 🤩

We think it’s important to have a trip leader who knows (perhaps more than anything) how to have a good time and make the most of any situation. The very nature of travel means you can expect the unexpected, but having a leader who can manage this while making you laugh, smile, and feel good about yourself, is a skill our trip leaders continue to impress us with.

 Casey

4. They have an incredible sense of adventure 🏔

From Zip‑lining to Zorbing, Spelunking to Sledging, Hiking to Happy Hour, our leaders know all the fun things to do and places to go during your adventure, so whether you’re giving something a go for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, you can bet your trip leader will be there to join in the fun, after all, they live for adventure!

 Kyle

5. They're well traveled 🌎

From wildlife conservation in Antarctica, motorcycling through Southeast Asia, swimming with sharks in South Africa, summiting Kilimanjaro or Everest Base, sleeping in a French ambassadors villa on a Greek island, riding bullet trains in Japan or biking solo across the USA for charity, you can bet our trip leaders have more travel experience than most because they’re as obsessed with experiencing so much of the world as they are sharing it with you.

 Brandon

Detours Gay Travel Blog