Meet a Few of Our Trip Prep Specialists

Aaron Raubvogel

Where did you grow up? What are some of the life experiences that led you to Backroads and shaped your worldview?

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, surrounded by nature and all sorts of diversity, which definitely shaped my worldview and sense of adventure. Before I started with Backroads, I went to university in Washington, DC, and I traveled extensively throughout the US, including a 4-month long road trip to 50 national parks throughout the continental US. I've also designed, and self-published my own board game. All of these experiences made me want to find a community of people who share the same values of exploration and fun, which lead me to Backroads and the amazing field staff community this job fosters.

How did you learn about Backroads and what did you like about the TPS role? When did you start working for Backroads and where have you been a TPS? Do you/have you held any elevated roles (and where)?

I was lucky enough to take a Backroads trip as a teenager with my family in the Italian Dolomites, which is how I first heard about Backroads. I was drawn to the magnetic enthusiasm of our trip leaders, so when I turned 21, I applied for the trip leader position. I got redirected into the Trip Prep Specialist track, and after learning more about that role, I realized that the TPS position was much more appealing to me, since I get to use creative problem solving and work with my hands almost every day of the job. I started working for Backroads in 2022, first in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for our Yellowstone and Grand Teton trips, and then I worked in New England in the fall of that year. I've also worked in our warehouse in our US hub in Salt Lake City, Utah and in New Zealand on both the North and South Islands. Since then, I accepted elevated roles as the Operations Expert in both Jackson Hole and New Zealand's South Island.

What is your favorite part of being a TPS? Is there one trip or moment you remember from your time in the Field that has been particularly special?

My favorite part about being a TPS is the community and the stability this job provides. Backroads has an amazing group of field staff working in every region who are always eager to go explore and do fun activities. As a TPS in region, you're the consistent presence in our field staff houses, so you have the opportunity to organize events with your fellow Backroads employees, like barbeques, sports games, board game nights, and more, and become involved with the local community by volunteering and having a consistent routine. One of my favorite moments as a TPS is hosting our annual Summer Showcase in Jackson Hole, where for the past two years, we've had all our field staff in region perform their best talents, skits, and more, plus we gave everyone a paper plate award to celebrate their hard work throughout the summer.

Francesca Baldanza

Where did you grow up? What are some of the life experiences that led you to Backroads and shaped your worldview?

I grew up in Sicily and got hooked on mountain biking pretty early on. My journey as an athlete ran parallel to my desire to travel and see the world. I wanted to do something meaningful for people while feeling connected to nature every single day. While I was struggling with my career as a filmmaker, a friend introduced me to Backroads, and a new chapter began as TPS in 2018. I’ve traveled across Italy, Europe, and South America.

How did you learn about Backroads and what did you like about the TPS role? When did you start working for Backroads and where have you been a TPS? Do you/have you held any elevated roles (and where)?

My inclination for mechanical skills led me to become a crew chief during bike overhauls in the winter and work as a mechanic in the field during the summer. My responsibilities grew along with my enthusiasm, working in operations, handling the behind-the-scenes with more elevated roles; feels a lot like backstage filmmaking—preparing every detail for people, nurturing teamwork and leadership comes naturally to me.

What is your favorite part of being a TPS? Is there one trip or moment you remember from your time in the Field that has been particularly special?

There have been so many special moments—hiking the peaks of Patagonia, riding through the mountains of the Dolomites, or cycling the rolling hills of Tuscany with coworkers who became friends, and finding in them the kind of people I’d always dreamed of meeting.

Meli Champagne

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Ottawa. My summers were spent climbing trees, playing in the park, exploring the city, and spending time with my family and friends. In the winter, I enjoyed skating on the Rideau Canal with my family and friends. I did my education in French, and in high school I focused on playing sports.

What are some of the life experiences that led you to Backroads and shaped your worldview?

I was always an active kid, who enjoyed spending time outdoors. My dad and uncle pushed me to try outdoor activities like sailing, skiing, backpacking, biking, etc. I went to university in British Colombia and completed an Adventure Studies program, which opened my eyes to the outdoor industry and how it operates. After this program, I knew I didn't want a desk job. I wanted a job that allowed me to stay active with the opportunity to travel. Between the end of my studies and before Backroads, I worked as a Via Ferrata guide in Quebec and spent my winters working in a ski resort in Quebec.

How did you learn about Backroads and what did you like about the TPS role?

I learned about Backroads while I was working on a business plan project in a class I took. My business plan centered on creating my own biking travel company. While doing research, I stumbled into the Backroads website! I also had a university classmate that started working for Backroads. Hearing about his experience I knew I wanted to work for Backroads, too.

What I liked most about the TPS role is that it was a non-guest facing, behind-the-scenes role. It is rare to find a position in a travel company that allows you to remain behind-the-scenes while still traveling. I also saw the TPS role as an opportunity to learn how everything works from an operational and logistical standpoint and saw the endless opportunities to grow in the company.

When did you start working for Backroads and where have you been a TPS? Do you/have you held any elevated roles (and where)?

I started in 2023 and worked in the Canadian Rockies. This year, I am a seasonal Operation Specialist in Canmore and did some TPS work in July and August. My role this year as an Ops Specialist was taking care of all inventory in the region.

What is your favorite part of being a TPS?

My favorite part of being a TPS is living and working with an amazing group of likeminded people. Having a steady schedule and getting to know the area you call home for a few months gives you the opportunity to explore areas that a tourist wouldn't be able to see, and to get involved in the community.

Is there one trip or moment you remember from your time in the Field that has been particularly special?

I have many moments. A recent favorite moment was a summer sunrise hike I did with some of the TPS in the Rockies. This spontaneous idea brought us together at 3am, no planning other than going to see the sunrise. It was an amazing experience.