Our People | Responsible Travel

Around the World

We strive to be a great place to work, where our staff feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. From the office to the field, we invest in training and development programs that set our team up for success. Whether we are building leadership skills, deepening expertise, or preparing for the unexpected moments, we equip staff with the tools and confidence to do their job well.

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Backroads Leadership Updates & Education

We host an annual online and in-person training event for all returning Trip Leaders and Field Staff to share updates, align on priorities and new initiatives, support their continued growth and leadership development 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

From complimentary fitness classes in our Berkeley and Pernes offices to bike rental programs at all locations, we create everyday opportunities for our team to move, explore and connect.

Go Active

From weekly fitness classes in our Provence and Berkeley offices 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 employee training sessions covering key topics.

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 Staff, 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, like Employee Resource Groups.

Hiring

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

AANHPI Journeys

Our AANHPI Journeys Employee Resource Group is committed to uplifting the voices and presence of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community members at Backroads through culturally focused staff events that foster celebration, connection, and dialogue.

Backroads Queer Collective

Backroads Queer Collective, our LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group, fosters a visible, supportive LGBTQIA+ community at Backroads, where employees feel empowered to show up authentically and are celebrated for who they are.

Backroads Staff Ride

In 2025, nearly 600 staff from around the world came together in Valencia, Spain for our annual Staff Ride—and the energy was unforgettable. From mountain rides and flamenco nights to horchata tastings and a paella lunch to remember, Staff Ride 2025 was a celebration of connection, culture and everything we love about Backroads. Where are we heading 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!