At Backroads we’re passionate about connecting our guests with so many of the most beautiful places in the world. We use our four plus decades of expertise to create exceptional biking, hiking and multi-adventure trips in over 60 countries for people wanting a deeper and richer travel experience. We travel on land as well as by small luxury ships on active river and ocean cruises. Our trips are for all ages – including dedicated itineraries just for families. We are known for our unwavering attention to quality. We have a dynamic work environment and a strong company culture. Give us a call or visit our website for more information on the world of Backroads! 800-462-2848
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
4
reviews and is evolving.
Pros: I genuinely love being part of the Backroads team. The focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences is clear in everything we do. Leading trips across diverse destinations is incredibly fulfilling. There are real opportunities for career growth if you prove yourself; I've seen colleagues move into training and management roles, and I'm looking forward to similar progression.
Cons: The workload can be intense, especially during peak travel seasons and if there are unforeseen trip changes or client issues. While flexibility is a given in a field role, managing the constant demands requires good personal organization. Sometimes communication on policy updates could be clearer or more timely to ensure smooth operations in remote locations.
Advice to Management: Consider implementing more centralized communication channels for policy updates and operational changes, especially for field staff. Streamlining approval processes for expenses or trip adjustments could also enhance efficiency during busy periods.
Show more
Pros: The opportunity to lead trips for Backroads is truly special. I got to share the beauty of Provence and the French Alps with enthusiastic travelers, immersing myself in incredible local food, wine, and history daily. The company culture fosters a passion for authentic travel, and you get to be part of creating unforgettable moments. Flexible scheduling is a major plus for this role.
Cons: While the experience is rewarding, the pay for trip leaders feels a bit low when you consider the extensive hours and responsibility involved, especially when factoring in the cost of living in a scenic region like Provence. There's also a significant amount of administrative work that sometimes detracts from the core guiding experience.
Advice to Management: Consider reviewing trip leader compensation to better reflect the dedication, hours, and expertise required. Streamlining administrative tasks could also improve overall job satisfaction.
Show more
Pros: The core of the job, leading tours and interacting with guests, is incredibly fulfilling. You get to immerse yourself in stunning locations like Provence and share unique travel experiences. The independence of managing your tour days and the joy of seeing guests discover new cultures and landscapes is a huge plus. It's an excellent opportunity for anyone passionate about active tourism and creating memorable adventures.
Cons: While the fieldwork is fantastic, there are times when the administrative support from headquarters feels a bit disconnected or slow to respond, especially for field-based roles like mine. Sometimes, communication regarding changes or necessary resources could be more streamlined. This can occasionally add unnecessary stress when you're on the ground managing a group's experience.
Advice to Management: Enhance communication channels for field staff. Consider more proactive updates and a more responsive system for urgent support requests to better align HQ operations with on-the-ground tour needs.
Show more
Does Backroads offer parental leave for new parents in their adventure travel company?
Yes, as a growing company in the adventure travel industry, Backroads provides a parental leave benefit to support employees welcoming new children, allowing them to take crucial time off.
What is the starting pay for an Activity Specialist at Backroads?
When I started as an Activity Specialist with Backroads, the pay was around $18/hour, which felt competitive for the adventure travel industry and the responsibilities involved.
What's the typical interview process like for a trip leader role at Backroads, and what kind of case study or task can I expect?
My interview for a trip leader role at Backroads involved an initial screening call, followed by an in-depth interview where they presented a hypothetical group management scenario to gauge my problem-solving skills for leading tours in diverse locations like Europe or North America.
What is the typical salary range for a Tour Leader at Backroads, a large adventure travel company?
Based on my experience as a Tour Leader, the salary can vary quite a bit depending on the complexity of the trip and the duration, but generally, it falls within a competitive range for the adventure travel industry. For a large company like Backroads, focusing on active travel, expect it to be commensurate with the responsibilities of leading international tours.
UK
