Barnaby Davies – Class #288
Tour Director. Record Breaker. Human Rights Advocate.
When Barnaby Davies set out to visit seven national capitals in 24 hours, he wasn’t just chasing a world record—he was making a statement.
The British tour director leveraged his passion for travel to bring global attention to one of the most insidious crimes of our time: human trafficking.
“The estimation is that 20 to 30 million people are enslaved around the world,” Barnaby said. “Either people don’t know this is going on right beneath our noses, or it’s thought of as a ‘foreign problem.’”
A Global Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight
Human trafficking knows no borders. Victims are moved via the same transportation systems we all use every day.
“We now know that people are trafficked on public transport regularly,” Barnaby explained. “Yes, trucks and containers are still used, but when a trafficker has influence—by which I mean you are scared and therefore controlled—trains, planes, and buses can also be used.”
Barnaby’s route took him through London, Paris, Brussels, Ljubljana, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest—one more capital than the previous world record.
Raising Awareness, One Kilometer at a Time
The logistics were daunting: tight connections, unpredictable delays, and one canceled train. Yet Barnaby persevered—with a message.
“I’m passionate about eradicating trafficking, and I feel we have to try to stop this practice in its tracks.”
Even more powerful is the parallel he draws between his method of travel and the routes traffickers use. His journey wasn’t just symbolic—it was a direct reflection of how vulnerable people are moved across borders.
How You Can Help
“Hopefully now that people are aware of trafficking both domestically and internationally, they can spot a situation that doesn’t look right,” Barnaby said. “You know, when you see body language that looks suspicious? Call the hotline.”
If You See Something, Say Something
National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC): (800) 373-7888
For those looking to make a lasting impact, Barnaby recommends donating to ECPAT USA—an organization fighting the sexual exploitation of children globally.
Lessons From the Journey: Tour Directing with Purpose
“Planning and preparation is crucial, but you’ve also got to think on your feet.”
Barnaby’s experience underscores the essence of being a tour director: adaptability, people-reading, and resourcefulness. Whether it’s a canceled train or a delayed flight, the real test is how you respond—and how you support your guests.
“For me, tour directing is about reading people. Are the guests exhausted and needing a break? Has a delay caused problems with meals? Are they worried and need a little reassurance?”
An Unforgettable Motorcoach Story
Guests love it when the journey itself becomes part of the storytelling. Barnaby’s tale is a favorite on his tours.
“Guests want at least as much entertainment as information when they’re on holiday… So I end the story on the microphone by saying, ‘Thanks to my mum. Always listen to your mum. Mum knows best!’”