We’re one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025

We’re delighted to share that we have been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025, securing a top spot in the UK’s Top Small Organisations category. It’s an incredible honour, and one that reflects the culture, care and commitment that makes Distant Journeys such a special place to work.

This nationwide survey, conducted by independent workplace experts WorkL, celebrates the UK’s leading employers across all industries and organisation sizes. Companies are evaluated across various categories, including employee satisfaction, wellbeing, pride, reward and recognition. We’re proud to say Distant Journeys received an ‘Excellent’ rating across all criteria.

A person-centred approach

From day one, our goal was never just to build a travel business – it was to create a workplace where people feel valued, inspired and genuinely proud to come to work. We’ve always believed that when people feel supported and appreciated, they thrive, and that passion ultimately benefits our customers, our partners, and each other.

That belief has shaped our culture over the last 11 years, and it’s the reason we now employ over fifty fantastic people at our Ormskirk, Lancashire head office – many of them from the local community. It’s also why this recognition feels so meaningful. It’s built on real feedback from the people who know us best: our team.

A word from our Managing Director

“We are thrilled to be named as one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025.

From the very beginning, we set out to create not just a business, but a place where people feel genuinely proud to come to work every day. To receive this recognition is incredibly special – it reflects the positive culture we’ve built together and the passion our team brings to everything we do.

As one of the founders of Distant Journeys, it fills me with real pride to see how far we’ve come over the past 11 years. This award belongs to every single person in our team – their dedication, support for one another, and shared belief in what we’re building together is what makes this such a great place to work. A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone involved.”

Simon Whittle, Managing Director

What makes us a great place to work

At Distant Journeys, we know that a great working environment is about more than just good intentions – it’s about action, consistency and care. Our ‘Excellent’ rating across all pillars of the Sunday Times survey speaks volumes about the environment we’ve created. Our team feels heard, recognised and empowered, with wellbeing and work-life balance built into the way we operate. Whether it’s supporting each other, celebrating achievements, or simply sharing a passion for discovery, there’s a strong sense of pride and purpose that runs through everything we do. We’re more than colleagues – we’re a team, and that makes all the difference.

Founded 11 years ago, Distant Journeys began as a passion project and has grown into a thriving, award-winning company, renowned for its carefully curated escorted tours to incredible destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, India, and Japan. Behind every itinerary is a team of talented people who love what they do and who bring that same spirit of curiosity and care to the workplace every day.