Travel Designer & Expedition Leader

Company Description

Bucketlist Xperiences is a private, membership-based club creating once-in-a-lifetime, luxury travel experiences. We specialize in travel experiences that combine exclusive, “money can't buy” experiences with private aviation. Our members enjoy unparalleled experiences such as private meetings with world leaders, exclusive immersions at historical monuments, exhilarating activities, and unique cultural encounters.

Job Description

We are looking for a full-time Travel Designer/Expedition Leader to join our team. This is a dual role that combines the planning, organization, and execution of our travel experiences. This role requires a high level of operational expertise, customer service, and an understanding of the luxury travel market.

Responsibilities

Trip Designer:

• Design, plan, and implement once in a lifetime, ultra-luxury travel experiences.
• Full responsibility for all logistics: itineraries, contingencies, safety procedures, permits, sourcing and ownership of all aspects of logistics and costing of trips.
• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including local officials, private institutions, and notable personalities, to create exclusive travel experiences.
• Establish and manage relationships with destination management companies (DMCs).
• Provide superior customer service & relationship management throughout each trip.
• Supervise all travel logistics (e.g., aviation, accommodation, dining, event planning).
• Liaise with aircraft operators to request proposals, negotiate contracts, streamline operations, confirm flight schedules, and ensure effective ground handling.
• Handle all aspects of hotel bookings (e.g., reservations, invoicing, upgrades, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with all health & safety protocols by working with relevant resources.
• Assist in the creation and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Manage trip budget, ensuring quality experiences while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee the procurement and organization of member amenities.
• Site visit where required for each trip.

Expedition Leader:

• Execute the trip’s itinerary and programming in line with the pre-planned run-of-show.
• Guarantee overall member experience quality and address any concerns promptly.
• Lead and manage the expedition team.
• Coordinate with DMCs as needed.
• Collaborate with trip physicians to handle any emergencies or evacuations, prioritizing member safety and well-being.
• Manage trip budget, ensuring adherence while managing quality expectations.
• Travel extensively (up to 2-3 weeks at a time) and lead groups on expeditions.

Qualifications

Key Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in operations, hospitality, tourism, or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the luxury travel industry, particularly in planning and leading expeditions.
• Proven problem-solving skills, an ability to work under pressure, and adaptability to unexpected situations.
• An excellent understanding of the luxury travel market and the ability to meet its specific customer service and detailed demands.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• A high level of discretion and the ability to handle sensitive information.
• Ability to flex to work schedule in an international environment.

Desirable Capabilities:

• Ability to recruit and manage expedition team members.
• Proficiency in multiple languages.
• Familiarity with international customs and protocols.
• Established relationships with vendors & service providers in the luxury travel industry “contact black book”.
• Proven ability to negotiate contracts and manage budgets.
• Crisis management and emergency response training.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR or related medical training.

Additional Information

Compensation:

• Competitive salary and benefits package in the highest percentile of the industry.
• Merit-based bonus structure.
• Equity opportunity available.
• Highly flexible work environment.
• Ability to work globally.
• Access to our contacts and travel benefits.
• Opportunity to experience once-in-a-lifetime experiences globally alongside our members.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a resume via pdf and apply via the link provided.

Equal Opportunities Employer:

At Bucketlist Xperiences, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our suppliers, and our global community. Bucketlist Xperiences is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.