Fantastic product, inexperienced management with tendency to micromanage and lower than average salary - Marketing Executive Intrepid Travel Employee Review

1.0
Jun 19, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The product - small, sustainable group travel - is absolutely amazing. The vision of the two founders to change the world by connecting travellers with the country and people they visit is wonderful and easy to really believe in which makes it even easier to market and sell the product. Especially when you start out, there's a feeling of making a real difference to the world (and the world of travel). It would be such a fantastic company to work for if it wasn't for the management in the UK office. * The product - what's there not to love about truly sustainable travel? * The vision of the two founders is beautiful and they are genuinely amazing people (come into the office from time to time and are just so friendly) * You get a free trip every year, easily one of the best things about working in travel. * The intrepid foundation that supports initiatives all over the world (even though I believe pushing your own employees to donate when they already earn little to none is a bit controversial) * The idea of working for a BCorp. I'm saying idea here on purpose, as it doesn't quite do what it says on the tin.

Cons

* The management in the UK office. It very much is a boys club at the top. This not only affects promotion of men only, it also means that it's not the best (men) being promoted but the ones that are friends of the boys at the top. * Some more words on the management in the UK (can't really speak for the other offices). Managers, as per the above it's men in all senior positions, are inexperienced and love micromanagement. I believe this is strongly related to their inexperience and insecurity but quickly leads to team members feeling unmotivated as their every step is being watched. * Overtime is expected of you. If you leave 5:30pm sharp, management doesn't think you're committed. * Clock watching is a thing. Even though you work at least 45 minutes longer every day and are expected to get up early or stay up late for international calls, if you dare to come 5 minute late, you'll be pulled aside for "a quick chat". So much to flexible work hours... * Opportunities in the UK office are limited and there is hardly any movement across geos (unless you're a senior manager). * The salary is low. Even for the travel industry, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Senior management is quick to point out that your perks are amazing (and don't get me wrong, a free trip is great but doesn't help you when you can't afford the flights to get there, while the rest of the perks are pretty much below average) and the grass isn't greener on the other side. But it is. The main competitor pays a whole lot more and seems to have a better culture on top of that.

Explore other reviews about Intrepid Travel

5.0
Jan 5, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Kind management and staff. Travel.

Cons

Rarely breaks between trips. Lots of driving (also a pro).

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Intrepid Travel Response
2y
We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on working with Intrepid!
1.0
Oct 10, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The other tour guides are very cool Going to National Parks

Cons

Typically driving 8+ hours per day on top of performing tour leader duties. The itineraries are not well designed so the driving days are long and you barely have time at each destination. If guests are late, or there is traffic then your entire schedule is in jeopardy and you are trying to catch up, You are typically working from 5:30am to 9:30pm with no breaks and you are on call if something happens at the hotel or answering client text messages. Many guests have said they don't understand why there isn't a driver or a second guide and were concerned by the long and stressful hours. Very inflexible schedule; when you commit to them for a season, you don't have control over your trips and they can assign you to tasks last minute. If you were supposed to have a few days off to rest and there is an emergency or a gap in the schedule, they will put you on it and not ask for your input. You are basically "always on duty". Their contract and DOT laws say you can only work 70 hours per 8 days, but we are consistently going into violation and working 10-12 hour days. Management says its the guides fault if they work longer than expected hours even if there was a guest medical emergency, long lines to get into the park, etc. Your cash bonus at the end of the season as a guide is affected by how the guests rate the itinerary and some other factors that are out of your control; not just your performance. When concerns, questions, or suggestions were brought to management by several different guides over the last two years, It seems like to me that the company/management doesn't take accountability and tries to find a way to shame or blame the guide.

2
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Intrepid Travel Response
1y
We are concerned to hear this feedback. We would like to assure you that the wellbeing of our team and customers is a top priority. Intrepid recognises that a tour leader’s role involves many different responsibilities, which is why we provide comprehensive training, as well as various support via our local and global teams. We also work proactively with tour leaders on scheduling to ensure it works for them. We aim to foster a collaborative work environment where all voices are heard. This includes twice yearly team surveys and other informal channels. We’re concerned you feel that has not been the case. If you would like to reach out confidentially, please email: PeopleFeedback@intrepidtravel.com
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