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Maybe you're working in one of our iCentres, or a marketer devising new campaigns. Maybe you're a project manager, or a designer making our online offering is world-class. Whatever your role, we understand that it's is vital to our success. At VisitScotland, we are inclusive and work together to tell the world about Scotland's beauty, culture, and history. We offer family-friendly and flexible working policies. We have an impressive range of benefits and professional development opportunities.

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As an organisation, we invest a lot into encouraging and developing young talent. Find out what schemes and initiatives we offer young people.

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Promoting Scotland and all its incredible experiences is something that our employees love to do. But there are other benefits that come with working here too!

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At VisitScotland, we love to see you succeed. Learn more about our recruitment process and the values we look for in our people, as well as some helpful tips to help you prepare.

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The themes outlined in our people strategy 2021-2024 support the achievement of our strategic goals.

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Promoting Scotland and all its incredible experiences is something that our employees love being a part of. But there are other benefits that come part and parcel with working here too!

We offer family-friendly and flexible working policies. And we have an impressive range of benefits and professional development opportunities.

Building brighter prospects for new talent

As an organisation, we invest a lot into encouraging and developing young talent. It offers a mutual benefit to us as an organisation and, of course, to those who take part.

We can help you get exposure to the day-to-day operation of a natural tourism organisation. Meanwhile, we could put your energy, fresh thinking, and new perspectives into practise. Read on to find out about what schemes and initiatives we offer young people.

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Join our team, and your job is more than a salary.

You satisfy your love of travel, create lifelong memories for customers, and learn about the history and heritage of the UK & Europe.

And because we believe in inspiring passionate employees, we share up to 20% of the company’s profit and offer plenty of opportunities for adventures, fun, and career development.

Our current vacancies will be advertised on this page, so please check it out regularly. Every application you make is treated equally and respected for individuality and diversity.

Rabbie's operate one of the largest selection of scheduled tours in the UK and Ireland with a vision to make the world a better place through travel. 

We’re an open, friendly, positive and welcoming group of people. We like to ‘live life’ and explore places that have stories to tell. We’re renowned for delivering exceptional customer experiences because of how we look after our guests, each other, and the communities and the environments we travel through.

• Discounted or free staff tours (dependent on availability) 
• Family and friends discounted travel  
• Family friendly policies  
• Flexible/Hybrid working options where appropriate  
• Bonus scheme
• Training budget
• Cross Company Working Opportunities
• Cycle to work scheme
• Paid volunteer days 
• Rabbie's sick pay
• Accident Insurance / Death in Service cover
• Paid compassionate/bereavement leave
• Staff conference/Social & parties
• Discounted garage MOT/repairs
• Long service reward

Our opportunities

Driver guides, accommodations contracting executive, who are rabbie's .

Founded in 1993, we are an award-winning travel company offering tours a wide variety of tours around the UK, Ireland and Europe. We deliver small group tours of 16 passengers or less in our fleet of luxury Mercedes mini coaches.

Role: Accommodations Contracting Executive

Reports to: Accommodation Team, Sales Operation team, Finance team

Principal contacts: External suppliers (hotels, venues)

As the Accommodation Contracts Executive will be responsible for contracting the wide range of accommodation products required for our scheduled tours, travel agent packages and tailor made group tours. You will have the ability to organise and communicate effectively which will be essential in this role, along with excellent negotiation skills. You will also be responsible for assisting in the management of the accommodation booking process and maintaining the associated systems.

• Traveling to all areas of operation to source/grade and contract suitable accommodation
• Build strong relationships with key suppliers and partners
• Produce a timeline to suit all departments and the Rabbie’s product cycle, planning site visits and sourcing accommodation allocations
• Manage the full contract process from negotiating rates to completion of signed contracts
• Set up credit arrangements with suppliers
• Working with the accommodation team to ensure accommodation and rates are available for the Travel Trade and scheduled tours in time for annual release
• Calculate buying and selling rates (Travel Trade & Fully independent travellers (FIT))
• Design and manage a contracts tracking system and ensure that this is kept up to date
• Work with all other departments to ensure all products are accurately loaded on to our systems
• Monitor performance and modify plans where appropriate to keep pace with changing business priorities

Your skills, experience & qualifications

• Experience within contracting or procurement
• Experience in negotiating with suppliers and arranging contracts
• Proven ability to solve problems promptly and effectively
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong IT skills (Excel and other MS packages) and the ability to adapt to new packages and software
• Self-motivated with the ability to take ownership to work autonomously and use their own initiative, as well as working as part of a team
• Experience in the tourism industry
• A good geographical knowledge of the UK and Ireland

If you're interested, please fill out the application form and email to [email protected]

Please use the subject line Accommodations Contracting Executive .

Our main office is in Edinburgh but we are recruiting for Driver Guides to conduct tours at the following locations:  Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Manchester, London, and Bristol.

Founded in 1993, we are an award-winning travel company offering tours a wide variety of tours around the UK, Ireland and Europe.  

We deliver small group tours of 16 passengers or less in our fleet of luxury Mercedes mini coaches.  

We are recruiting now! 

What do we look for in our Driver Guides? 

• Are you outgoing, enthusiastic and passionate about meeting people and showing them the best that the UK has to offer?  
• If you have a good knowledge of Scotland, its history and are passionate about sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with people from all over the world, then this could be the role for you 
• You will drive, lead and guide small group mini-coach tours throughout Scotland and Northern England and consistently deliver a memorable and enriching experience that will last our customers a lifetime 
• You will be talking about the history, geography, culture and traditions of the places you take your passengers - every day brings something different 
• Skilled and experienced drivers who love being on the road. Mini-Bus licence is not essential on application - all training provided for successful applicants 

Essential skills

• Driving experience – mini-coach driver training provided  
• High standards of customer service 
• Use your own initiative and problem-solving skills to provide a seamless service to passengers 
• An ability to communicate your knowledge and entertain people from all over the world 

What you will be doing  

• Drive top of the range mini-coaches with due care and attention at all times for the comfort and safety of passengers (training provided) 
• Demonstrate an appetite and enthusiasm for learning 
• Complete daily vehicle safety checks and legal documentation (training provided) 
• Embrace our environmental and sustainable tourism practices 
• Provide constructive feedback to continuously improve the quality of the tours 
• Display a pride and passion for the country and what it has to offer 
• Continually develop a wide-ranging cultural, historical and social knowledge 

Requirements

• In order to work as a Driver-Guide you must have a current UK car driving license  
• A category D or D1 class driving license would be great, but not essential as all training will be provided 

Job Type  

• Full-time and part time positions available – from one day per week to full time 
• Permanent contracts 
• Salary: £26-32K + plus a range of benefits 
• Single day tours and overnight tours available to suit - or a mixture of both! 

Current Benefits 

• Discounted or free staff tours (dependent on availability)  
• Family and friends discounted travel 
• Family friendly policies 
• Flexible/Hybrid working options where appropriate 
• Bonus scheme 
• Training Budget  
• Cross company working opportunities 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Paid volunteer days  
• Rabbie's paid sick pay  
• Paid compassionate leave 
• Staff Social & events 
• Discounted garage MOT/repairs (Edinburgh garage) 
• Long service reward 

Driver Guide specific Benefits  

• On-site parking at depot 
• Driver CPC paid training 
• Driver medical renewal costs covered  
• Commissions  

If you're interested, please fill out the application form and email to  [email protected]

Please use the subject line ‘Driver Guide application’.

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » Scotland » 25 Best Things to Do in Fife (Scotland)

25 Best Things to Do in Fife (Scotland)

Fife is one of Scotland’s most beautiful and historic regions, with an extensive coastal line, rolling hills and dramatic countryside. Fife is known locally as the ‘Kingdom of Fife’ as it was once a major ancient kingdom for the native Picts.

Today, Fife offers some of the most unique and memorable experiences in the country, with good food, friendly people, and plenty of outdoor activities to suit all tastes.

Here are some of the best things to do in quaint and pretty Fife.

1. St Andrews Castle

Start your Fife journey with a trip to St Andrew’s Castle in the historic town of St Andrews. These castle ruins sit atop a rocky hill overlooking the North Sea, with a visitor centre on site.

The castle has stood in this location since 1200, used as a place of power in the Wars of Scottish Independence, and later as a home for important Scottish bishops and kings. Today you can visit the castle ruins, including the castle’s stone-cut prison, called the ‘bottle dungeon’.

At the visitor’s centre you can find original sculptures and carvings, as well as other historic artefacts that will tell you more about the story of this important castle.

2. Craigtoun Country Park

The Craigtoun Country Park has been open to visitors since the 19th century, featuring sprawling gardens and a number of attractions.

Spend a day in the park when the sun is out or bring along a picnic. Stop by Puffin’ Billy, the vintage tractor on show, or take a ride on the miniature railway. There is also a Dutch Village with pedalos and rowing boats available for hire along the adjoining lake.

The Craigtoun Country Park is an excellent day out for all of the family.

3. St Andrews Cathedral

Visit the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, built in 1158 and the largest church to have ever been built in Scotland. Walk the ruins of the cathedral, which reach a massive 119m long, and climb St Rule’s Tower for stunning views of the town.

Stop by the museum for medieval sculptures and artefacts, including St Andrews Sarcophagus, dating from Pictish times.

The cathedral is an important part of St Andrews history, and a great place to learn more about Fife.

4. Deep Sea World

For animal lovers, a visit to Deep Sea World in Fife is a must. This popular tourist aquarium features a number of themed zones, each showcasing different aspects of aquatic life. The aquarium holds the UK’s longest underwater tunnel and one of the best shark collections in Europe.

Here you can see seals, piranha and fish from various parts of the world, including the Amazon and Lake Malawi. Take a shark dive to get up close and personal with Deep Sea World’s gorgeous sand tiger sharks.

Or book a behind the scenes tour to learn more about how the aquarium is run. Deep Sea World offers an informative and entertaining day out.

5. Falkland Palace

Falkland Palace has stood on this site since the 12th century, when it was originally a hunting lodge. Over the years it was expanded and improved, and today much of the palace has been carefully restored, whilst other areas feature ruins.

The palace was used as a home for Scottish monarchs including Mary, Queen of Scots. Now used as a museum and gardens for visitors to enjoy, you can find antique furniture, gorgeous tapestries and stunning painted ceilings within the palace.

In the gardens, you can visit the oldest royal tennis court in the UK, as well as orchards, flower gardens and the Falkland Castle ruins. Falkland Palace is grand, beautiful and a lovely place to visit in Fife.

6. Kellie Castle

Kellie Castle has stood on this site since at least 1150, a historical home for many important families in Scottish history. The castle has been carefully preserved to provide visitors with an idea of life here in the 17th century. The castle interior features beautiful plaster ceilings, which were the first of their kind in Scotland, as well as painted panels and antique furniture.

Spend some time in the sprawling grounds, with woodland walks, wildlife to see, and gorgeous flowers to enjoy. The garden grows its own organic fruits and vegetables, served in the on-site café.

There is also a museum in the stables which explores the life and art of sculptor Hew Lorimer, who worked in a studio here.

7. British Golf Museum

The British Golf Museum explores over 500 years of British golfing history, right in the heart of golfing country. The museum has an extensive collection of golfing material, from equipment and trophies to art and archival content.

The collections explore the evolution of the sport from medieval times to today, as well as the lives of famous professional golfers, and the history of British and international golf.

After spending some time amongst the exhibits, take a break at the café which features local food and amazing views of the acclaimed Old Course golf course and West Sands beach.

8. Pittencrieff Park

Pittencrieff Park is a popular public park located in Dunfermline at the heart of Fife. It has stood here since 1903, originally the grounds of a stately home. The park features beautiful landscapes as well as some attractions including a greenhouse and a statue of famous local Andrew Carnegie.

The park is well known for its peacocks, and regularly hosts outdoor events. Be sure to stop by the Pittencrieff House which was once a 17th century stately home. Today, it is a museum exploring the formation of the park with exhibits on natural history and geology.

Finally, find the Glen Pavilion to stand on an important piece of Scottish land in gorgeous surroundings.

9. St Andrews

St Andrews is one of Scotland’s hidden gems and a must-visit in Fife. This small town is home to one of the oldest universities in the world as well as a number of important historical landmarks such as St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle. St Andrews is an excellent base for exploring the rugged Scottish coastline and countryside.

As the international ‘home of golf’, it is also a great place to play some sports. As a student town, St Andrews has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars to suit every taste. Try The Adamson for fine dining or drinks in a beautiful historic setting. For an astounding selection of beers and ales, visit The St Andrews Brewing Company. And for excellent local food, try the cute Taste café, popular amongst locals and tourists alike.

St Andrews has so much to enjoy and explore, with history and serenity lining the streets. This town is quite unlike anywhere else in Scotland.

10. Golfing

Fife is the place to go for golf enthusiasts, with the ‘home of golf’ at St Andrews and a number of other world-renowned courses throughout the county. The Old Course is a must, as it is one of the oldest golf courses in the world. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club sits on the course, which has been open since 1552.

Visit Craighead Links for stunning sea views and a more challenging course atop a cliff. For beginners, courses are available at a number of locations including Wellsgreen where you can receive tuition from pro golfers.

There’s no better place in the world to play golf than Fife.

11. Aberdour Castle

Aberdour Castle is one of the oldest standing castles in Scotland, dating from 1200. The castle was home to a number of noble families over the centuries. Today, the castle is made up of buildings and ruins which showcase how the castle was built on and improved since the original construction.

The castle features galleries, painted ceilings and a restored medieval church. In the grounds you will find beautiful walled gardens full of fragrant flowers, and plenty of manicured lawns to walk along.

Book a guided tour to learn more about the history of Aberdour Castle, or eat local food at the café which overlooks the gardens. Aberdour Castle is a pristine and peaceful place to visit in Fife.

12. Kirkcaldy Galleries

Kirkcaldy Galleries are the premiere museum and gallery space in Kirkcaldy, a lovely town in Fife. The space contains an art gallery, museum, library, café and visitor information centre. The gallery contains an impressive collection of art from Scottish artists such as William McTaggart and Samuel Peploe.

Visit the museum to learn more about Kirkcaldy’s industrial history, or view the Wemyss Ware pottery on show in the café. This pottery was created in the town in the 19th and 20th centuries, and is a delightful part of Fife’s history.

The Kirkcaldy Galleries are an ideal place to learn more about Fife and local heritage.

13. Isle of May

Visit the Isle of May to connect with the beautiful wildlife and nature of Fife. The island is a roosting ground for seabirds, including puffins, razorbills and cormorants. You can even spot grey seals in the winter!

The Isle of May is the perfect place to witness some local flora and fauna, including rabbits, butterflies and gorgeous flowers. The island has a fascinating history and is home to an early secluded monastery and Scotland’s first ever lighthouse.

Visit the monuments on this little island to learn more about the history of the Isle of May. This is a great day out in Fife.

14. Fife Folk Museum

The Fife Folk Museum is the best place in the county to learn about local life and heritage. The museum holds a large collection of items documenting rural life in Fife, including a restored tollbooth from 1673 and a traditional weigh-house.

The museum features items including toys, commercial items, documents, tools and costumes. Fife Folk Museum is an excellent place to learn more about traditional life in the area and carefully preserves Fife heritage.

15. Museum of the University of Saint Andrews

The Museum of the University of Saint Andrews (MUSA) features an extensive collection of treasures from a number of areas including zoology, geology, local heritage and chemistry. Here you can find stuffed animals, scientific equipment and natural rocks.

The galleries feature a number of interactive displays, including the chance to experience archery, create wax seals, or try your hand at archaeology. Go upstairs to the Viewing Terrace for gorgeous views of St Andrews and the ocean.

The MUSA holds many temporary exhibitions and events, including talks, tours, art sessions and more, so there is always something new and exciting to experience.

16. Eat Local Food

Fife has a strong cultural heritage and produces delicious local food sourced from its rolling countryside and rich coast. There is a lot to choose from, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, pubs and food markets to explore.

Follow a food trail to experience some of the best eateries in the county, all in the grand surroundings of Fife’s countryside. Try some local smoked mackerel for a great taste of Scottish seafood, or granola made with organic cereals and customised to suit your taste. Fife has excellent meat too, from steak to chicken, so there is something for everyone.

Fife has some of the best local food in the world so be sure to taste something authentic on your next visit.

17. Dunfermline Palace

Dunfermline Palace is a ruined royal palace located in Dunfermline in Fife. It has played an important role in Scotland’s history, hosting many famous royal figures such as James I, Queen Elizabeth I, and Charles II.

Today you can take a tour through the ruins to get an idea of the magnificent palace that once stood here. There is also an abbey on site, featuring gorgeous walls and sculptures. Visit the top of the southern wall for beautiful views across the Firth of Forth, a water inlet attached to the River Forth.

Dunfermline Palace is a lovely place to learn more about Fife’s history and to take in some stunning architecture.

18. North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower

Fife is home to the world’s smallest lighthouse, North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower. The lighthouse was built in 1817 with a mere 24 stairs leading up to the lamp at the top of the tower.

Visit the Light Tower to learn more about its history and the importance it has played in Fife’s maritime heritage. You can even light the lamp and receive a certificate as an honorary Keeper of the Light. Afterwards, visit North Queensferry for history, wildlife and gorgeous scenery. There are plenty of local seafood restaurants here, and beautiful views out across the water.

The Light Tower is one of Scotland’s hidden treasures, and a must-visit.

19. Hill Of Tarvit Mansion House

The Hill of Tarvit Mansion House has been restored to provide a view of life in early 20th century Fife. Every room in the house features original items and furniture, including an impressive Flemish tapestry in the Main Hall.

Explore the splendour of the living quarters and bedchambers before journeying below stairs to the kitchen and pantry for an insight into how servants would have lived here. On the grounds, you will find beautiful lawns, rose gardens, and wilder woodland walks for hikers.

There is even a small golf course on-site, presented in its original style for an authentic Edwardian golfing experience! Visit the mansion house at seasonal times for a number of events including fairs, walks and markets.

20. Lomond Hills

The Lomond Hills are the highlight of Fife’s countryside. They encompass moorland, lochs and farmland, with the two Lomond hills bordering the area. The Lomond Hills have been inhabited for centuries, with evidence of forts from the Iron Age, and remnants of mines from more recent times.

For outdoors enthusiasts, be sure to climb West Lomond, Fife’s highest point at 522m tall. Here you will find breathtaking views of the Highlands and the ocean. There are biking paths and walking trails throughout the area, making it easily accessible.

Lomond Hills is one of the best places to see some iconic Scottish lochs and to enjoy a day in the fresh air.

21. Kirkcaldy

Kirkcaldy is a beautiful Fife town located on the coast. Kirkcaldy has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and has a rich history of industry and trade. It is known for its salt production, mining and cloth-making industries.

Kirkcaldy was the birthplace of important British figures including Adam Smith, Robert Adam and John McDouall Stuart. Today, Kirkcaldy retains a laidback vibe with plenty of things to see and do. The town is home to Europe’s longest street fair, held every Easter with stalls, rides and attractions.

Culture lovers will enjoy the Kirkcaldy Galleries whilst shoppers have a ton of stores to explore alongside the Kirkcaldy Farmers’ Market. Finally, Kirkcaldy has excellent links to the countryside via walking and biking trails, or take a stroll along the beach.

22. Fife Coastal Path

Fife is a wonderful place to explore Scotland’s varied countryside and diverse nature. One of the best ways to experience Fife is by traversing the Fife Coastal Path. The path extends from the Forth Estuary to the Tay Estuary, spanning an impressive 117 miles.

The path is easy to follow and covers a wide range of terrains. Choose an easy stroll or a challenging hike – or really push yourself by walking the entire coastal path! The Fife Coastal Path will also take you through a number of key Fife towns, perfect for stopping off for a break and some delicious local food.

There is something for everyone on this beautiful course through Fife, with stunning views of the sea at every step of the way!

23. Dunfermline

Dunfermline is a historic town in Fife, once the capital of Scotland. The town has a rich heritage and has played an important role in Scotland’s story. The site of the town has been populated since ancient times and has been home to beautiful historic buildings including abbeys, stately homes and castles.

While you’re here, be sure to visit important landmarks such as Dunfermline Palace, Pittencrieff Glen, and Dunfermline Abbey which is now considered to be the mausoleum of Scottish kings and queens. Alongside history, Dunfermline offers culture with its main attraction being Carnegie Hall. Here you will find regular local shows and performances in a gorgeous art deco setting.

Spend some time exploring the local cafes and restaurants for some delicious Scottish food and drink. Dunfermline is a must-visit in Scotland.

24. Hopetoun House

Hopetoun House was built in 1701 to a design by famous Scottish architect Sir William Bruce. The house was home to the noble Hope family whose descendants still live here today. The estate is filled with a tranquil and grandiose atmosphere, with authentic Georgian rooms and furniture.

Take a trip back in time by visiting the house and soaking up the luxurious furnishings, art and items. In the grounds, spend some time spotting wildlife in the Spring Garden or by adventuring through the surrounding woodland. There are two walking trails for you to discover and even a deer park. Finish your day with an afternoon tea or hearty home-cooked meal in the elegant Stables Tearoom.

Hopetoun House is a slice of history and serenity in the heart of Fife.

25. Experience a Scottish Sunset

Fife features an extensive coastline making it one of the best places in the country to experience a truly Scottish sunset. Visit romantic St Andrews for history, culture and good food – and be sure to watch the sun set in pink and purple hues across the docks.

Or take a trip to the village of Pittenweem, home to Scotland’s best oatcakes, and watch the sun set over a sandy beach.

There is nothing quite like a Scottish sunset sparkling across Fife’s waves, hills or beautiful historic buildings.

25 Best Things to Do in Fife (Scotland):

• St Andrews Castle
• Craigtoun Country Park
• St Andrews Cathedral
• Deep Sea World
• Falkland Palace
• Kellie Castle
• British Golf Museum
• Pittencrieff Park
• Aberdour Castle
• Kirkcaldy Galleries
• Isle of May
• Fife Folk Museum
• Museum of the University of Saint Andrews
• Eat Local Food
• Dunfermline Palace
• North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower
• Hill Of Tarvit Mansion House
• Lomond Hills
• Fife Coastal Path
• Dunfermline
• Hopetoun House
• Experience a Scottish Sunset

• Tour Guide Job (Scotland) /

Are you passionate about Scotland’s culture, history and stories? Do you want to connect visitors with the best wee country in the world? Can you bring Scotland’s story to life? If so then read on…

We’re looking for tour guides to join us to bring the unique Experienced Tours formula to more visitors to Scotland. We pride ourselves on an excellent level of service and a consistent product that customers have repeatedly rated 5 stars.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and feel you can contribute to our continued success and growth, get in touch with us below.

Private Tour Guide job (Edinburgh)

What’s the role?

We’re looking for outgoing, enthusiastic and passionate tour guides to join our small team in Edinburgh to provide day trips and occasional multi-day tours of Scotland. You will provide a connection to the best of Scotland, bringing our long history to life through storytelling, anecdotal information and by explaining quirks of personalities and events that have happened over the years.

Our clients are typically from North America. They’re well travelled and have a passion for knowledge that they gain from connecting with places and people. They expect a relaxed but high level of service and are typically friendly and down to earth.

No two days are ever the same and you are encouraged to tailor their tour to their interests.

What we do?

Experienced Tours offers a premium level of service with passionate tour guides. Our consistent and different approach to the experience has won us a constant 5-star award on Tripadvisor and we are very proud of that!

A typical day will include a visit to one or more castles (like Stirling), stops at viewpoints or points of interest, will typically include a lunch stop and include various Instagram-worthy photo opportunities along the way. You will be with the client for most of the day and it’s a great environment to really make a connection and get to know your guests.

What you should bring

• You’ll be outgoing, friendly and able to connect with guests
• You’ll have a great knowledge of Scotland’s past, present and future
• You’ll need to be an excellent driver, showing professionalism and patience behind the wheel
• You’ll be able to tell Scotland’s story without showing bias, especially relating to religion and politics
• You’ll be flexible in your approach, no two tours are ever the same!
• You’ll have excellent timekeeping and have a neat, professional appearance

What we’ll provide

• You’ll get full training which includes familiarisation trips on our most popular tours, relative to your experience
• We’ll provide a shared tour van (and all the associated kit & overheads like fuel)
• We’ll provide a relaxed uniform that includes a kilt
• You’ll get ongoing support and be part of a small team

Good to know

• You will be expected to provide an end-to-end service which includes guiding your clients through historic sites
• There will be a requirement for some weekend work and occasional overnights away
• Typically 8 hours on tour, 4 days a week
• Minimum age 25 (for insurance reasons)
• Non-smokers only please
• 2 years previous guiding experience required
• Successful candidates will be disclosure checked and DVLA checked

What are the benefits

• £ strong / day freelance rate
• Annualised performance bonus
• Client tips that are yours to keep

SOUND LIKE THE PERFECT JOB FOR YOU? GET IN TOUCH!

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Get paid to travel: become a tour leader

Do you have what it takes to become a travel guide? It can take you all over the world, but you’ll need buckets of passion, endless knowledge and a big dose of patience…

Let’s get this straight: it is a ‘proper job’. Sure, you’ll lose your fear of Monday mornings. And yes, your ‘office’ may be a Kenyan national park, a Himalayan valley or a large area of Amazon jungle. Your friends will think you get paid to go on holiday again and again – a kind of Groundhog Holiday, if you will.

But don’t be deceived: tour leading for an adventure travel company is very much a proper job. The hours are long (when have you worked nine months without a day off?), you’re on call 24/7 and, while it may look easy, behind the scenes it’s a huge amount of work. Your job could be described as being like a swan on water – graceful and calm on the surface, with your legs frantically paddling underneath.

What jobs are there?

Tour leading is not a single job – there are many different kinds of tours, like driving overland trucks from London to Cape Town, or leading rambling groups around the vineyards of Tuscany. There are jobs touring the general sights of countries, sailing the Nile in a dhow, guiding safaris, mountain biking, doing European cultural tours, riding horses, carrying out conservation work, or leading family trips.

Some are more extreme than others – the skills needed for leading a centre-based holiday in the Pyrenees are very different from those required to climb a Himalayan peak or lead a jungle expedition.

What’s in it for you?

A lot of travel, of course. You’ll find that leading gives your travel a new depth – when you’re working alongside locals, they’ll see you as an equal, not as a customer. What other job would let you build a deep friendship with a Vietnamese waitress or a Berber muleteer? Ask most leaders what they most like about the job and the answer won’t have anything to do with travel. You’ll learn a lot about yourself, developing your interpersonal and leadership skills in ordinary and extraordinary situations. It’s also a job with real autonomy – your boss may be 12,000 miles away!

What are the downsides?

All of these plus points have their down sides. You might repeat the same two-week itinerary ten times, yet you have to be as fresh on the tenth as you were on the first. Whatever goes wrong, you have to deal with it, whenever it happens. Your clients might be rude, your transport connections could be late, or not turn up at all. Yours and your clients’ personal belongings can be stolen, or worse, your clients could get ill – and that’s all your responsibility to deal with. As well as all of those negatives, it can also be lonely work – having to spend long periods away from your close friends and family.

How to get a job as a travel guide

• Don’t apply unless you are well travelled. Ideally you’ll have explored some unusual parts of the globe and been on some extended trips, such as a career break. But remember, the most important thing isn’t travel – it’s people.
• Stress your people and leadership skills. Anything you can do to prove that you have experience of a service industry, and of leading or teaching people, will be a great benefit.
• Get an understanding of what is required. Research the job thoroughly by checking out all the web-links listed, and getting to know the style of the company you are applying to.
• Visit travel shows and exhibitions. Prove that you’ve done your research and that you aren’t just acting on a whim. Companies will need to see that people are serious about the job.
• Go on a trip with the company you are applying to. It’ll give you a great insight into what it’s like to be part of a group on holiday and see a real-life tour leader in action. While you’re there, ask the tour leader exactly what they’re doing on a day-to-day basis.
• Make sure you have specialised skills, such as a foreign language or a PCV driving licence. While they aren’t essential for all jobs, they are for some, and give you a great advantage. Knowledge of first aid, or specific country knowledge, is also good.
• Be ready to answer the question: “What would make you a good tour leader?” It’s an obvious question, and if you can’t answer it fluently, you shouldn’t be applying.

A word from a pro: Nick Nikolsky

Nick worked as a full-time tour leader over many years, covering everywhere from the faroe islands to cambodia. so how did he do it.

“In my gap year I worked abroad teaching English, then after uni as a diving instructor. I saw an advert for a tour leader in Wanderlust (honest) and applied for the job, expecting to do it for a short while. I ended up doing it full time for five years.

“My first trip was a walking tour in Slovakia. I had been trained in the UK and abroad on an actual walking trip and knew roughly how leading worked, but I was nervous at having to look after 16 people for two weeks all on my own. Needless to say I didn’t let the group know it was my first trip! By the end of the fortnight, I knew this was what I wanted to do as a job.

“You start getting a lot more than just travel experience when you’ve done the job for a year. You build up your people-handling skills, you encounter and solve strange new problems – all of which are great skills for whatever you do in life.”

Top tip: “Be yourself at the interview and if you are enthusiastic about travel and a people person, you should sell yourself without having to try.”

With thanks to Nick Nikolsky, Andrew Aitcheson, Matt Leggett and Debbie Crawford for their help with this guide.

Check out Wanderlust’s job site for job opportunities in the travel industry.

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Budapest and beyond: Taking the sustainable route through Hungary

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15 Jobs That Will Pay You To Travel

Access the Fall 2024 calendar here . Note: Be sure to check weekly for new additions and updates!

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Lafayette College Student Employment (on-campus jobs)

Fall 2024 – ambassador of lafayette (aol) tour guide (admissions).

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Our Mission Statement

Ambassadors of Lafayette (AoL) are responsible for serving the College and its Admissions Office in welcoming, hosting, and aiding visitors to the College. Ambassadors include tour guides, office workers and senior interviewers. Responsibilities can include giving tours to prospective students and their guests, working in the Admissions Office, serving on panels during virtual and on-campus events, coordinating events and visitation with Admissions staff, onboarding and training new AoL staff, and serving to aid in the College’s mission statement and goals.

Tour Guide Summary

Tour Guides are ambassadors who guide visitors on tours of campus, showcasing campus facilities coupled with sharing their academic, social and extracurricular experiences. While the majority of the tours are 75-minute tours with prospective students and their families, tours may include a variety of visitors and time limits on the tours change with different types of visitors. Some types of visitors include:

• prospective students and their families
• groups of students visiting from a high school, college-based organization (CBO), affinity groups
• middle school students
• elementary school students
• current faculty and staff

Tour Guide Job Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive role model during interactions with the public
• Attend training to learn more about Lafayette’s programs, majors and facilities
• Attend training to review campus information and build customer service skills
• Commit to at least one consistent on-campus tour time per week
• Conduct at least two Saturday tours per semester
• Conduct at least two group tours per semester
• Conduct tours during open houses
• Conduct virtual tours
• Understand the expectations of the job outlined in the AoL Manual
• Understand the layout of the campus and how to shorten or lengthen tours based on the visitors’ experiences
• Be able to conduct a No Steps Tour for people with mobility issues
• Keep up to date with communications regarding the job through the current platforms (ie., Our Campus, email, Slack)
• Communicate effectively with your supervisors and peers as schedule changes occur
• Participate in Leopard Connect, a program in which current students connect with prospective students based on hometown, major or club/affinity interests
• Aid in the setup and breakdown of Admissions events as needed
• When able, willingly cover your peers tour time

Additional Tour Guide Opportunities

• Engineering tours
• Sustainability tours
• Student panels
• Virtual tours

Skills and Qualifications for the Job

• Strong and clear public speaking skills
• Ability to retain knowledge and facts about the College
• Desire to interact with new people from different parts of the world
• Desire to share your positive Lafayette experiences with others
• Willingness to be flexible in changing situations
• Ability to work at least twice a week between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm and occasional Saturdays or evenings.
• Previous customer service skills are beneficial but not required

$9.00 per hour

Please also complete this survey to begin the application process:

https://forms.gle/vdsRSwc8ivMeQus78

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Britain’s Violent Riots: What We Know

Officials had braced for more unrest on Wednesday, but the night’s anti-immigration protests were smaller, with counterprotesters dominating the streets instead.

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By Lynsey Chutel

After days of violent rioting set off by disinformation around a deadly stabbing rampage, the authorities in Britain had been bracing for more unrest on Wednesday. But by nightfall, large-scale anti-immigration demonstrations had not materialized, and only a few arrests had been made nationwide.

Instead, streets in cities across the country were filled with thousands of antiracism protesters, including in Liverpool, where by late evening, the counterdemonstration had taken on an almost celebratory tone.

Over the weekend, the anti-immigration protests, organized by far-right groups, had devolved into violence in more than a dozen towns and cities. And with messages on social media calling for wider protests and counterprotests on Wednesday, the British authorities were on high alert.

With tensions running high, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet held emergency meetings to discuss what has become the first crisis of his recently elected government. Some 6,000 specialist public-order police officers were mobilized nationwide to respond to any disorder, and the authorities in several cities and towns stepped up patrols.

Wednesday was not trouble-free, however.

In Bristol, the police said there was one arrest after a brick was thrown at a police vehicle and a bottle was thrown. In the southern city of Portsmouth, police officers dispersed a small group of anti-immigration protesters who had blocked a roadway. And in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where there have been at least four nights of unrest, disorder continued, and the police service said it would bring in additional officers.

But overall, many expressed relief that the fears of wide-scale violence had not been realized.

Here’s what we know about the turmoil in Britain.

Where has the unrest taken place?

Protesters over the weekend took to the streets of a dozen cities across Britain, most of them in England. Trouble broke out from Aldershot in the south to Sunderland in the north and Liverpool in the west. Belfast, in Northern Ireland, was also drawn into the fray.

In some cases, the protesters were merely unruly, but in others the violence was more pronounced.

Where arrests have been reported

On Sunday, rioters set upon a hotel that was housing asylum seekers in the town of Rotherham, in northern England, breaking windows before surging inside as the police struggled to control them. No guests were injured in the melee, the police said.

In Middlesbrough, a group of rioters, some masked, hurled bottles and rocks at officers. Cars were set on fire, and at least nine people were arrested. On Saturday, a library and a food bank were set ablaze in Liverpool as groups damaged and looted businesses, and in Hull, fires were set and storefronts smashed in the city center.

Dozens of police officers were injured, including some who required trips to the hospital.

What set off the protests?

The unrest began after a teenager wielding a knife attacked a children’s dance class early last week in the seaside town of Southport, which is near Liverpool. Three children were killed, and eight were wounded.

The suspect was born and raised in Britain, but online rumors soon circulated that he was an undocumented immigrant. To counter those false claims, the authorities took the unusual step of publicly identifying him. The BBC has reported that the suspect’s parents are from Rwanda. The police have not disclosed a motive for the stabbing attack.

But with migration a flashpoint issue in Britain, especially on the far right, the rumors were all it took to set off violence.

Extremist groups urged their followers to take to the streets, and on the day after the stabbings, they began to do so, starting in Southport.

How have the authorities responded?

The weekend riots prompted a heavy police response. Nearly 4,000 additional officers were deployed, a law enforcement association said. And a government order gave officers in some places special powers to disperse any gatherings or “antisocial behavior,” the police said in a statement .

More than 400 people have been arrested, and about 100 have been charged, Mr. Starmer said after an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday — the second in two days.

The prime minister, who has characterized the riots as “far-right thuggery,” encouraged prosecutors to name and shame those convicted to dissuade others from joining the violent rampages.

“I’m now expecting substantive sentencing before the end of the week,” Mr. Starmer said. “That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week and that nobody, but nobody, should involve themselves in this disorder.”

BJ Harrington, the head of public order for Britain’s National Police Chiefs’ Council, said that online disinformation had been “a huge driver of this appalling violence.”

Intelligence teams, detectives and neighborhood officers, Mr. Harrington said, were working to identify the people fomenting the violence.

“They won’t win,” he said.

How are the authorities handling online incitement?

Social media has acted as an accelerant throughout the protests, with disinformation fueling far-right and anti-immigrant groups . Britain and other democracies have found that policing the internet is legally murky terrain, with individual rights and free speech protections balanced against a desire to block harmful material .

In his remarks on Tuesday, Mr. Starmer said that some arrests involved people accused of inciting violence online.

The first person to be convicted over online posts since the riots, according to the Crown Prosecution Service , was a 28-year-old man from Leeds who posted messages on Facebook about attacking a hotel that housed asylum seekers. It said that the man, Jordan Parlour, had pleaded guilty and been convicted of using threatening words or behavior to stir up racial hatred.

Mr. Starmer has called out social media companies over misinformation on their platforms, but holding them accountable could be tricky. Britain adopted a law last year that requires social media companies to introduce protections for child safety and to prevent and quickly remove illegal content like terrorism propaganda and revenge pornography. The law is less clear about how companies must treat misinformation and incendiary language.

What are the political implications?

The riots are the first political crisis for Mr. Starmer, who took office a month ago after his Labour Party defeated the Conservatives, who had been in government for 14 years.

While in power, the Conservatives tried to capitalize on public unhappiness over immigration, vowing to reduce it (though failing to do so). But in recent days they joined Labour in condemning the violent protests.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, now the opposition leader, said the unrest had “nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport.” The police, he said, have “our full support to deal with these criminals swiftly.”

Megan Specia contributed reporting.

Lynsey Chutel covers South Africa and the countries that make up southern Africa from Johannesburg. More about Lynsey Chutel

An insider guide to the Democratic convention in Chicago with Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

The illinois democrat is playing a key role at the convention as a delegate and in reaching out to the asian american and pacific islander community for votes and funds. the convention runs aug. 19-22..

“The No. 1 reason for the convention is to come together and unify and make sure that we can learn from each other and implement strategies to defeat Donald Trump,” U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi said.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file

There’s going to be a lot more going on at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago besides the official speeches each night at the United Center — culminating with presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., agreed to give us an insider tour.

Delegates start arriving next weekend for the convention kicking off Aug. 19. There are hundreds of events adjacent to the convention — fundraisers — for federal, state and local Democrats; policy panels and symposiums; breakfasts, luncheons, receptions, reunions and after-parties; as well as meetings of Democratic constituent groups.

This was true for the Republicans at their convention in Milwaukee last month. I did a column with Rep. Darin LaHood R-Ill., taking us behind the scenes; this is the Democratic version with Krishnamoorthi, who is a delegate, as our guide.

The Democratic National Convention opens August 19 at the United Center and runs through August 22.

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times file

Since at least May, Krishnamoorthi’s convention schedule has been filling up.

“The No. 1 reason for the convention is to come together and unify and make sure that we can learn from each other and implement strategies to defeat Donald Trump,” Krishnamoorthi said.

“I think that is kind of the most important principle underlying all the activities of the convention. In terms of the actual, you know, events that I participate in, I would say they fall into four buckets.”

Krishnamoorthi has emerged as a major national fundraiser. His first bucket is filled with fundraising events. He is a member of the Harris Victory Fund National Finance Committee, and he is also a member of the Harris for President AAPI Leadership Council.

Krishnamoorthi was born in India, and he came to the U.S. as a youth. His second bucket is around Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders events and fundraising. Turning out the AAPI voters in the swing states will be critical for Harris, whose father is from Jamaica and mother from India.

Krishnamoorthi’s third convention bucket will deal with events pivoting off his being the ranking member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. Krishnamoorthi is the first South Asian American to be leader of a congressional committee.

As for the fourth bucket, “There’s just a lot of different parties to celebrate Chicago and causes and people important to Chicago.”

Starting Saturday, Krishnamoorthi will be making the rounds of various welcome receptions. He will also take part in what is a donor perk — the Harris Victory Fund Podium Preview at the United Center. The VIP donors and fundraisers— that is those who gave or raised above $89,200, according to a document I saw — will be invited to a guided tour of the stage. There’s more to it than what you can see on TV.

He will also go to an evening event to support Cook County Board Member Monica Gordon’s campaign for Cook County clerk.

On Monday, Krishnamoorthi will be speaking in the morning at the Democratic National Committee’s AAPI Caucus event.

During the convention days, the McCormick Place complex will be the home to a variety of DNC councils focused on issues relating to climate, small business, labor, poverty, faith, veterans and military families, rural voters and youth. There are caucus group meetings for Native Americans, AAPI, Hispanics, Blacks, LGBTQ+ and people from the disability and women’s communities.

Later, in connection with his China work, Krishnamoorthi will be hosting a roundtable with Chicago area businesses to discuss American competitiveness and specifically the strategic competition with China.

After that he will be speaking at an event to benefit South Asians for America, a group focusing on increasing the political clout of the AAPI community by mobilizing their vote.

On Tuesday afternoon, Krishnamoorthi is hosting a fundraiser for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the House political organization with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other House Democrats.

Krishnamoorthi then goes on to be a co-host of a “Reception with AAPI Leaders” with Sen. Tammy Duckworth and the AAPI Victory Fund, a major political action committee.

On Wednesday, there is a speech to the Alliance for American Manufacturing Policy Forum; a stop by a Planned Parenthood event and then a watch party and reception that the Cook County Democratic Party is throwing for people who don’t have credentials to get into the United Center.

I’m not sure how Krishnamoorthi will end Thursday, the convention’s last day. He’s starting in the morning by ringing the bell at a ceremony at what’s known as the CBOE, the derivatives and exchange network that got its start as the Chicago Board Options Exchange.

Get the latest election and Democratic National Convention updates from the Sun-Times DNC Group Chat. Sign up here or text ELECTION to 260-233-9818 to join.