Backroads Leader Profiles
Backroads leaders come from a myriad of backgrounds and have followed many different paths within the company. Below, a few Backroads folks share their stories to help give you an idea of what a career with Backroads may have in store for you.
Meet a Few of our European Trip Leaders
Vincent Soyer
French, Leader since 2004, Argentina & Patagonia Trip Specialist
After receiving a B.A in Economic Sciences, I studied international commerce in Montpellier, France, and graduated in 1988. My first job was to sell software all over Europe for a company based in London. But I was dreaming of discovering the world... Read more...
So, I took a job abroad working for Club Med, and then for others companies throughout Europe. These summer jobs gave me the opportunity to save some money during the season and finally discover the world during the time off. I've traveled from Pakistan to Cambodia, through Tibet, China, Viet Nam, Laos, Myanmar, and trekked in Nepal, Ladakh and Zanskar. Then, I went on to discover Latin America and finally lived the last years of the 90's in Argentina where I was a teacher at the French Alliance of Cordoba, teaching managers working in multinational firms.
Upon returning to Europe, I've lived in Spain since 2000. Looking for a change from the mass tourism industry, I started working as a biking and mountain guide. I was looking to lead for an active company with a reduced number of guests on trips in order to get more individual connections. I was hired by Backroads and have enjoyed the chance to be part of an unbelievably organized team, where each and every individual is a source of help, knowledge, happiness and kindliness.
Eoin Canny
Irish, Leader since 2006
I came to San Francisco in 1999 for a software engineering job. It was a great career move, but the biggest payoff came in how my horizons expanded outside of work. I took up hobbies such as trail running, mountain biking, snowboarding and backcountry camping. I sampled cuisine from all over the world, and made friends from a multitude of backgrounds... Read more...
A few years ago, as I contemplated a career change, someone asked me what my ideal job would be. The answer was something that involved traveling, working outdoors and satisfying my inner cub scout, doing good deeds every day. I was also interested in spending a couple of months at home every year.
Six months later, I found myself leading my first Backroads trip - hiking through Ireland's fabulous Kerry mountains with fifteen guests. Many things surprised me. As expected, the job was physically demanding, but it challenged me mentally as well. Both Backroads and their guests expect a lot of their leaders, and thanks to the intensive training and a great support system, you have the tools with which to excel. The guests respond in kind to your creativity and passion, making for new adventures every day. And, of course, all of the co-leaders are great "crack" (Gaelic for "fun").
I've now led in nine different regions worldwide, and have enjoyed every minute of it. I've brought guests to see glaciers in NZ, gypsy bands in Slovakia, cheesemaking farms in the swiss alps, and redwood forests in california wine country. I've had opportunities to take on more responsibility, and grown with the job. I'm always excited to see what the next season brings.
Alexandre Visage
French, Leader since 2007
I was a student in Paris, and I love busy cities. However, during my summers, I need some fresh air, new places to visit and new people to meet. Read more...
With Backroads you will be outside under the sun (and sometimes under the rain). You will get up very early to be sure everything is ready for your guests in a luxurious hotel from the 16th century which faces the countryside or the sea. As a Trip Leader, Backroads relies on you, trusts you and gives you responsibility. Every day you will have to deal with more than a few challenges, and you will love it.
Being French, I had a few questions when I applied. Will my English be good enough? Will I be able to share what I love about my country? Will it be easy to work with foreign guests and colleagues? I had nothing to worry about. The guests love your accent and your co-leaders support and encourage you and you do the same in return. After each trip, you have learned so much about yourself and your fellow travelers.
Today I am awaiting the beginning of a new season and the only question is which amazing part of the world will I work in next.
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