Just for Families
No matter which Backroads trip you take, you’ll travel in the company of incredible Trip Leaders. Our leaders possess enthusiasm for their jobs and are experts at creating dynamic, safe and fun environments for children of all ages. They communicate at a kid’s level, see the world through their eyes and have the energy to keep pace with even the most active of youngsters. They’re excellent mentors, who’ll impress, inspire and build your kids’ confidence. Each day, one Trip Leader takes on the role of Kid Coordinator. As the leader in charge of orchestrating the day’s activities for the younger set, the Kid Coordinator is your go–to person for questions and special requests.
Family Trips Manager and 18–year Backroads veteran Alison Iles knows from personal experience that Backroads trips are ideal for families who want an unforgettable vacation together. “I’m the mother of two energetic boys,” she explains, “and I can attest that when families are actively exploring together, they see, experience and learn so much more about the world and themselves.” She continues, “As we developed the Backroads Family program, we challenged ourselves to look beyond the fundamentals of what families generally seek in a vacation. We learned that kids and parents alike—when they experience a region in an interactive and authentic way—are able to slow down and open their minds and spirits to each other, as well as fully absorb the essence of their destination. Families who travel actively want a richer experience where they can truly use all of their senses to appreciate and share the journey together.”
One of Alison’s goals in helping to develop the Backroads Family program was to come up with trips that offer the perfect balance of family time together and time apart. “On each trip we’ve built in special kids–only activities and dinners to give adults time to ride or hike the longer route, take a winery tour, get a spa treatment or enjoy a more formal meal.” She notes that the trips also need to appeal to a broad range of interests and abilities, as well as be fun, safe, interesting and rewarding. “Our many wonderful local connections have helped us pinpoint the regional activities that kids and adults love, such as chocolate–making lessons in Italy, sheep shearing in New Zealand, mock–medieval battles in the Czech Republic and rock–climbing instruction in Yosemite National Park.”
ASHLEY HEGSETH Now in her sixth year leading trips for Backroads, Ashley Hegseth has introduced families to such locales as Denmark, New Zealand, Hawaii, Alaska and the San Juan Islands. “I really like Family Trips because the kids are so much fun! And it’s a kick to be a role model.” Ashley sees Family Trips as a great way for parents to get their kids excited about pursuing an active lifestyle. “It seems that so few kids play outside any more, and this is a way for families to spend time together outdoors without worrying about the stress of planning a vacation.” Thanks to Ashley’s previous experience working as a camp counselor and naturalist, she’s comfortable introducing kids to the natural world. Between Courtney–my sister, who’s also a Backroads Trip Leader—and me, we can probably figure out a way to teach almost anything to kids in an interesting way.”
BECCA BIGGS “Backroads trips create such a unique setting for families to share new experiences with one another, while still having their own time to get exactly what they want out of each day,” says Canadian Trip Leader Becca Biggs. Now in her eighth year of introducing families to the Canadian Rockies, Thailand and France, Becca still finds excitement and inspiration leading Family Trips. “It’s just such a gift for us leaders to meet and spend time with an entire family. You really get close to them and become part of the family. And kids add a wonderful component and perspective to trips. They give me such energy—I truly enjoy seeing the world through their eyes and watching them get excited about the ecology of the region. I love playing with them and just laughing and having a good time.”
BRYAN REES Chile–born Bryan Rees discovered Backroads after receiving his MBA and taking a 16–month trip around the world. “Upon returning home, I realized what’s most important in my life: family, friends and travel. I’m now in my third year leading Backroads Family Trips in Costa Rica, Ecuador and Holland, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet incredible people, see amazing parts of the world and turn others on to the beauty of the outdoors.” Bryan finds inspiration in sharing his interest in other cultures—and the world at large—with the families he meets on his Backroads trips. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness families discovering new places together,” he exclaims. “Biking and hiking has a way of bringing everyone together and allowing families to accomplish some amazing things as a unit versus as individuals. This leads to them sharing really special memories that will last for the rest of their lives.”
"Where do you find a person who can speak five languages fluently, has the endurance of a Peruvian mountain climber, plays classical music but still loves the Allman Brothers, is appropriately silly with 5–year–olds as well as 55–year–olds and can rebuild the axle of a trailer when it’s disabled?"
—Ray Georgen
Neenah, WI
