Our People | Responsible Travel

Around the World

Life in the field is full of fun and adventure—but it can also be intense. Our programs are designed to help trip leaders and field staff manage stress and stay healthy, with support that meets them where they are.

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Backroads Leadership Updates & Education

We host an annual online and in-person BLUE event for all returning trip leaders and field staff to share updates, align on priorities and new initiatives and help them start the season feeling confident and prepared.

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Wellness Center

We’re committed to supporting trip leaders and field staff throughout the season with personalized tools—including an online space with resources for mental, emotional and physical well-being, both on and off trip.

Our Mentorship Program

Backroads’ mentorship program pairs new and tenured trip leaders and field staff with dedicated mentors who offer guidance on both the job and lifestyle. Here’s why our team loves it:

In Our Offices

We’re committed to supporting our office staff around the world with a global company culture that balances work, play and overall wellness.

Go Active

From weekly yoga classes in our Berkeley office to bike rental programs at every office, we offer employees everyday ways to get moving and stay connected to the active lifestyle that defines Backroads.

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Learning & Growth

We’re all about helping our teams grow with professional development opportunities, including ongoing training for all employees along with additional coaching sessions designed specifically for managers.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We’re committed to being the best possible employer for our global team—both in our offices and in the field. That includes fostering a culture of inclusion and creating a welcoming environment for all. Guided by the principle of Building Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, our efforts focus on three key areas. We’re actively strengthening these pillars to support our people and shape an even more inclusive future.

Education

We continue to train office, trip leaders, and field staff in inclusive leadership and bias mitigation, with plans to expand our educational programs.

Retention

We advance a culture of belonging by celebrating diversity and embedding equity in our policies and practices.

Hiring

We aim to build a more diverse workforce by actively identifying and removing barriers in our recruiting and hiring process.

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Two women biking with large trees in the background

Backroads Staff Ride

One of the biggest perks of working at Backroads? Our annual Staff Ride. In 2024, nearly 500 staff from around the world came together in Croatia to celebrate the year’s achievements. We rode across sun-drenched islands, along rugged cliffs and beside the turquoise Adriatic—sharing adventure, connection and a love of active travel. Where are we headed this year? Stay tuned!

Experience the Magic

We offer discounted and complimentary Backroads trips—plus dedicated vacation days—to encourage regular full-time and part-time employees to experience our adventures firsthand. It’s a great way for staff to better understand what we do, connect with the guest experience and see how their work directly impacts our trips. Check out where some of our team traveled this year!