About Trip Leader Program
Travel For Teens is seeking experienced, passionate individuals to serve as Trip Leaders for teen travel programs across Europe, Oceania, Asia, North America, and Latin America. This is the highest-responsibility staff position within the organization, designed for mature professionals who are committed to delivering safe, enriching, and memorable travel experiences for young people. Candidates must be at least 25 years old by the start of summer and are strongly encouraged to commit to a minimum of two summers to build continuity and expertise within the program.
As a Trip Leader, you will be the primary point of accountability for your group, managing everything from day-to-day logistics and itinerary execution to budget oversight and parent communications. You will lead a team of counselors, maintain a positive group dynamic, and serve as both a guide and a mentor to the teens in your care. Your role goes beyond logistics — you'll be teaching participants about the cultures and histories of the destinations you visit, helping to create lasting memories and a genuine appreciation for global travel.
Most Trip Leaders begin their journey with Travel For Teens as counselors and work their way up through demonstrated performance and leadership. However, candidates who already have significant experience guiding teen travel programs may be considered for direct placement in the Trip Leader role. All staff — regardless of experience level — are required to attend mandatory training, held either in person or virtually in late May or early June before the travel season begins.
To be successful in this role, you should possess strong written and verbal communication skills, intimate knowledge of the destinations where programs operate, and a genuine passion for working with teenagers. Additional qualifications include team management experience, the ability to maintain composure and positivity under pressure, and — for domestic programs — the ability to drive a 9–15 passenger van. Photography skills are considered a bonus. This is a demanding role with limited personal time off, best suited for those who thrive in immersive, people-centered environments.