Tour leaders are just travellers that got bitten even harder by the travel bug than most! If you have travelled with Expat Explore before, you will know that a passion for adventure is the defining quality of all of the wonderful people that work for us and our tour leaders exhibit this quality in abundance. In this ongoing series of blogs, we chat to our tour leaders to get their expert travel advice and wisdom and to learn more about the challenges of the role, their hobbies and what they love about the world!
Our fourth blog in this series stars Aaron Rogers, an Australian nomad with a British passport who spends his time-off travelling even more! What did we tell you about that bug?
Related: Learn more about some of our other beloved tour leaders Luke, Zema and Branden!
Quick Facts:
- Name: Aaron Rogers
- Age: 30
- Nationality: Australian
- Where do you live now?: Where do I live? I’m constantly moving between tours and seeing family, friends and exploring the world.
- How many countries have you been to?: 56
- How long have you been a tour leader?: 8 years (since 2015)
What did you do before becoming a tour leader?
Everything. Construction, bars, hotels, restaurants, sales, sports, wine, tourism. Before finding what I loved (touring the world), I worked on a bit of everything. I worked on building sites as a labourer, I worked in bars, in pubs and wedding venues. I also refereed a rugby league at home in Australia before moving to Europe. More recently, during Covid, I worked in wine sales. I really enjoyed working with wine, it is a passion of mine because travelling with good food and wine is a must for me.
What made you decide to become a tour leader?
When I was 18 years old, I did a 46 day camping tour of Europe, from London to Istanbul and back. Then, I travelled for months afterwards and it really ignited my passion for travel. I also thought my tour leader had the best job in the world, being able to take people on these fun adventures through Europe. When I thought I was ready, I applied to be a tour leader and haven’t looked back!
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Two things:
- Taking people to places they’ve always dreamed of, and seeing their dreams come to fruition.
- Taking people to places they’ve been before and not enjoyed but showing them a different side so that they love it.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Long days and not getting to the beach so much. Some days are huge. Get up at 6am (sometimes earlier), and help people explore Europe, get to bed at 11pm. The days are simply huge, but it is epic knowing that you have helped someone squeeze everything they possibly could into their adventure. At home I love going to the beach. Every day if I can. But nowhere really compares to Aussie beaches.
Favourite destination?
Norway. It is just breathtaking. The postcards and the videos don’t do it justice. The mountains, the water, the fresh seafood, it is all just amazing. It might be one of the most expensive places in the world but it’s worth every penny.
Which city/country do you think everyone should visit and why?
France. It has everything; scenery (rolling hills, beaches, gorgeous mountains), food and wine, great people and great culture.
The destination that surprised you the most and why?
Ukraine. I figured it would be just another former Soviet state, but the history is deep, the people are generous and welcoming and the culture amazing.
Dream destination you would still like to visit and why?
Antarctica. Hopefully heading there soon. It is my dream destination because it is something not everyone gets to do. It’s so far away, so hard to get to but it will be spectacular. Seeing penguins, whales, elephant seals, the large icebergs, glaciers and more. Everything will just be pure nature and I can’t wait to see that.
What are the top 3 items on your bucket list?
- Snorkel or Scuba in the Galapagos
- Trek through Patagonia
- Ride horses across Mongolia
If you could lead a tour anywhere in the world, where would this be and why
The Stan’s. I love places less visited, places with different histories to your generic Roman and different cultures that you don’t get on a normal lap of Europe.
What do you like to do in your free time?
See friends, family and spend time in nature, whether that be a beach, a forest, a mountain or anything in between.
What would our travellers be the most surprised to learn about you?
That my life is just travel, travel for work and travel for fun. I just spend life exploring and showing people the world.
Best fun fact you like to share with people on tour?
I’m bad at fun facts.
Favourite meal from around the world?
Melanzane Parmigiana. If eggplant parmigiana is on the menu in an Italian restaurant, it will be eaten! Love the rich tomato flavour and the savoury of the eggplant.
Why do you think people should travel?
Experiencing different cultures gives you different perspectives on the world and its people. “Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.”
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Do what makes you happy.
Anything else that you would like our travellers to know that we haven’t asked:
Just do everything. You’ll make more money, but you won’t be back in these places with these people. So make the most of it. Eat that slice of pizza, take another scoop of gelato, have a glass of champagne and make the most of every moment. You’ll go home fat and tired, but you’ll have experienced the best.
Related: If you’re a foodie like Aaron, be sure to check out our European food bucket-list!
If you would like to follow in Aaron’s footsteps and explore more with Expat Explore and our awesome tour leaders, have a look at our upcoming tours to find an adventure that is right for you! Don’t forget to sign up to our mailing list below for our exclusive promotions and deals!