Backroads is often touted as a dream job within the active travel industry. Recognized by Outside Magazine and known for its high employee return rate, working for Backroads offers a unique blend of adventure and professional growth. But beyond the appealing lifestyle, a crucial question remains: How Much Do Backroads Guides Make? Let’s explore the compensation and benefits package to understand the earning potential and value proposition for Backroads Trip Leaders.
Backroads: A Leader in Active Travel
Founded in 1979, Backroads has become a leading active travel company, offering biking, walking, and multi-adventure tours in numerous locations worldwide. With headquarters in Berkeley, California, and logistical hubs across North America and Europe, Backroads operates as a well-established and reputable organization.
Unlike many other travel companies, Backroads hires Field Staff as employees, providing benefits typically not available to independent contractors. However, employment is contingent on having legal work authorization in specific countries, primarily within Europe (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, or the UK).
Understanding Trip Leader Compensation and Benefits
Backroads aims to offer a compensation and benefits package that sets a high standard within the active travel industry. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Workload and Earning Potential:
Earning potential is directly linked to the amount and type of work undertaken. New Leaders who complete Leadership Training Programs early in the season have the best chance to maximize earnings. Time off requests can limit overall income. Generally, new trip leaders can expect to work approximately three weeks (15-18 days) each month from mid-May to mid-October. This includes time spent as a Trip Leader or Support Leader, preparing for trips, traveling, training, loading equipment, driving vans, and maintaining equipment. Seasoned leaders typically have opportunities for more Trip Leading work. Year-round leadership opportunities and increased earning potential become more accessible in the second year and beyond.
Base Pay and Gratuities:
Backroads leaders receive a competitive hourly rate based on their country of fiscal residency and tenure. Beyond the base pay, a significant portion of their income comes from guest gratuities. Backroads’ strong market position and high guest-per-trip ratio often lead to tips that effectively double per-trip earnings. Detailed compensation specifics are provided during the interview process.
Allowances and Stipends:
While working on trips as a Trip Leader or Support Leader, food is provided. Daily food allowances are also provided for travel days and other work activities where kitchen access is limited. Backroads leaders also receive phone stipends and have access to company computers.
Housing:
Lodging is provided in hotels while leaders are on trips. Communal housing is also provided between trips, eliminating out-of-pocket lodging expenses for the entire season. Many regions offer “Field Staff houses” free of charge, equipped with computers, Wi-Fi, and bikes for personal use. These locations include destinations in Tuscany, Provence, Jackson Hole, and more. While communal, all Field Staff have separate beds.
Travel:
Backroads covers all work-related travel expenses. Field Staff are responsible for travel to and from their designated hub of employment (Canmore, France, Italy, Netherlands, or Utah) at the beginning and end of the season. They retain their frequent flyer miles for personal use and can sometimes extend their stay in desired locations within work-sponsored itineraries.
Recreational Benefits:
Backroads provides recreational benefits, including discounts with brand-name equipment and clothing companies, Backroads-branded gear, and trip discounts for family and friends. Select Field Staff in their second season and beyond are invited to the annual Staff Ride, an all-inclusive multi-day bike trip held in various destinations worldwide. Leaders who have led a significant number of trips also receive milestone gifts.
The Leader Lifestyle:
Beyond the tangible benefits, the “Leader Lifestyle” is a major draw. It offers time off in desirable locations worldwide, the freedom to explore, and membership in a supportive community that fosters personal and professional growth. This flexibility, growth, and unique experiences are valued by many as the most significant benefit of the job.
Additional Benefits Based on Hub of Employment
The specific benefits package varies depending on the leader’s country of work authorization:
US Work Authorization:
- 401k Plan: Eligible after six months of employment, with a 20% company match on employee contributions.
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Available to leaders with extended seasonal status who meet specific hours requirements.
- Flex Plan: Allows pre-tax savings for qualifying health and dependent daycare expenses.
- Workers Compensation Coverage: Provides coverage for work-related injuries.
Canadian Work Authorization:
- Health/Dental Insurance Program: Reimbursement for provincial medical and supplemental medical insurance.
- Holiday Pay: In accordance with Canadian Labor Code.
- Vacation Pay: Based on years of service.
- Workers Compensation Coverage: For work-related injuries.
- RRSP: A Canadian Retirement Savings Plan with a company matching contribution.
EU/UK Work Authorization:
Leaders employed by Backroads’ European subsidiaries enjoy benefits based on their country of fiscal residency, collective bargaining agreements, and statutory requirements. These generally include:
- Employment Contracts: Compliant with industry and national standards.
- Medical Benefits (European “Social Security”): Coverage under national health plans.
- Retirement & Unemployment: Statutory retirement and unemployment benefits.
- Vacation & Holiday Pay: Mandatory vacation and holiday pay.
- Parental Leave: Allowance for parental leave in most contracts.
- Other Benefits: Additional benefits such as Sunday pay premiums, 13th/14th-month pay, and premiums for rest periods or evening/night shift work.
Note: Many of these benefits are factored into the local rates of pay to ensure comparable compensation across European jurisdictions.
Is Being a Backroads Trip Leader Right for You?
Understanding how much Backroads guides make involves considering not only the base pay and gratuities but also the comprehensive benefits package and the unique lifestyle it offers. The combination of competitive compensation, valuable perks, and the opportunity to explore the world makes Backroads a compelling career choice for those passionate about active travel and leadership. While the exact figures vary based on experience, location, and workload, the overall package presents a potentially rewarding and fulfilling career path.
