5 minutes with … Chris Lees

July 24, 2026

Introducing … Chris Lees, Tour Manager

Please tell us a little bit about yourself

Father of 3 (two children and 1 dog), I have been a Tour Manager with Different Travel since 2025. My ‘day’ job sees me running a financial services business, so what better way to get out from behind a desk and have some constructive fun than with Different Travel. I live in Sussex, love football, the odd beer or two and really enjoy getting lost on long walks. Oh, and I run, slowly.

At my core, I’m motivated by people, shared experiences, and the belief that the most extraordinary moments happen when we dare to step beyond what feels comfortable.

How long have you been with Different Travel? How did you get involved?

Originally, I was a participant on two separate trips raising funds for my local hospice. Having enjoyed those so much, and having been impressed by the tour managers, I wanted to join the team and lead my own trips to assist others with having amazing adventures and raising money for causes important to them. To date, I have completed one trip as a tour manager and am looking forward to my next one.

What was your first Different Travel trip? What made it special?

The Sahara Desert was my first trip. It might sound cliché, but it was the people. Yes, the setting was amazing however, the camaraderie between the group of participants, the tour manager, the trek manager and his team was just amazing, and I forged some lovely friendships which I continue to have to this day.

What has been your most memorable Different Travel adventure to date?

The Saghro Mountains. We were due to trek to Petra; however, that could not go ahead due to the geopolitical situation at the time and an alternative had to be found. Expectations were low, and this was the first time this part of Morocco was to be trekked by a Different Travel group, but it turned out to be amazing. The environment we found ourselves in, following routes trekked by Berbers for thousands of years, was truly special, breathtaking at times and the right type of challenge at others.

If you could go on an adventure with three people (past or present, real or fictional), who would they be and why?

Simon Reeve, Bob Marley and either my kids (ok slightly cheating as counting them as one). The chat and post-dinner sing-along would be excellent, and I would love to be able share an adventure with my kids.

What is your ultimate dream destination?

India. It’s been a dream of mine to go there since I was a kid.

Which Different Travel adventure appeals to you, and why?

It’s hard to say, as they all look amazing, but anything in Africa, as it’s such an amazing place. But then so is Asia, Europe and South America. Basically, we have an amazing planet and the chance to explore any part of it is an absolute privilege. But I really like the idea of any trip that has a community project linked to it. I am a big believer in the fact that people all around the world essentially want the same things, and when people get together and talk, they discover there is more that links them than doesn’t.

What do you love about working with Different Travel

It is such a positive organisation to have a connection with. The management team are genuinely lovely, supportive and really nice people, but they know their stuff, and the experience and knowledge they have is a great resource to be able to learn from

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