Get to know your tour leader: Branden Gee

As our travellers already know, our expert tour leaders are a huge part of what makes Expat Explore tours so special! In this blog series, we get to know our tour leaders; from their favourite pastimes and their bucket lists to what ignited their passion for travel! 

The second tour leader we are featuring is Branden Gee. Branden was born and bred in sunny South Africa and today, he leads tours to incredible destinations around Europe, specialising in the UK and Ireland! Read on to find out about Branden’s pre-tour leading life, his favourite destinations and insight into what it’s like to lead the 26-day Ultimate Europe tour.

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Quick Facts:

• Name: Branden Gee
• Age: 30
• Nationality: South African 
• Where do you live now? Cape Town, South Africa 
• How many countries have you been to? 70 
• How long have you been a tour leader? 7 years

What did you do before becoming a tour leader?

I was playing rugby for the Brighton Blues in the South of England.

What made you decide to become a tour leader?

I was backpacking around Europe and I ran out of money so I googled “Summer jobs, Europe” fully expecting to pick cherries or grapes but an advert for a travel company popped up. “Do I want to get paid to travel?” Uhhh yeah! 

What was it like to lead the 26-day Ultimate Europe tour?

The first word I would use: challenging. It’s a long tour and we had a group of 26. So it feels like a lot of personalities to navigate for such a long period.

However, once the tour got underway and the first day jitters had settled the tour really became something magical. Each group is special for different reasons but my group on the Ultimate European tour were friendly, enthusiastic, happy and helpful, and they brought a great vibe to our adventure. I loved it. Yes, the tour is long and at times it feels like it might never end but the experiences we shared and the fun we had will last a lifetime. 

Favourite destination?

Avignon in France. This city blows me away more and more each time I visit. I’ve never been to Avignon and not spent the evening at a wine bar before climbing the city wall in the wee hours of the morning.

What country do you think everyone should visit?

Everyone should visit Germany. Let’s be honest, nowhere in Europe is not amazing but when it comes to sheer enjoyment of life, I think a visit to Germany really packs a punch. Germany has some of the best feel-good food. It definitely has the best beer which brings with it the best beer-drinking culture. The people are beautiful and welcoming and the attention to detail in their cities and their way of life is unrivalled. Germany is my favourite place to visit. 

Related: Have you discovered these hidden gems in Berlin? 

The destination that surprised you the most?

Sète in France which is a new destination that Expat Explore started travelling to this year. It’s a simple lunch stop in France but the seaside town specialises in mussels and oysters. I sat for a good 1.5 hours sipping white wine and eating high-quality seafood for a reasonable price. This was a surprisingly happy visit for me!

Related: Visit Sète on the Europe Explorer and Ultimate Europe tours!

Dream destination you’d still like to visit?

I’m almost ashamed that I have never been to Scandinavia. I would like to visit more of Northern Europe. The list of places that I still need to visit around the world is a long one but some of the highlights include Japan, Vietnam, New Zealand, Canada, Peru and Kenya.

What are the top three items on your bucket list?

• Be an extra in a movie 
• Snowboard in Japan 
• Cook dinner for Gordon Ramsay 

If you could lead a tour anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Japan. Because I love challenges. That country is very interesting to me and I am a massive foodie. Not to mention that I have always wanted to snowboard in Japan.

Related: Join the Highlights of Japan tour and see the best of this incredible country with Expat Explore! 

What do you like to do in your free time?

• Go to good restaurants and eat the best food
• I love to hike and be in nature
• I am an avid vegetable gardener 
• Love to snowboard 

What would your travellers be the most surprised to learn about you?

I have two superpowers: The first is that I can plan the weather which means I can make sure it’s not raining when we are on a walking tour 😉 I also have a vested interest in soil health and I teach children how to regenerate soil.

Best fun fact you like to share with people on tour?

1. Lord Admiral Horacio Nelson is a true British Naval hero. For his country, he lost one eye, one arm and one testicle. 
2. Arguably, the sport cricket is Britain’s national sport. If you score 111 runs (points) it’s called a Nelson. Notice the wickets are also 3 singular stumps this is a nod to the war hero.

Favourite meal from around the world?

Boeuf  bourguignon. 

Best advice you’ve ever received?

It’s okay to be bored. Look at it as a vacation rather than a sentence. 

Why do you think people should travel?

Travel is the antidote to ignorance and the great accumulator of perspective.

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Get to know even more about our fantastic team of tour leaders like Branden when you join an Expat Explore tour! Take a look at our upcoming departures and start planning your next adventure today. Psst.. keep an eye on our Black Friday travel deals to secure your next dream trip at unmissable prices!