Aaron Raubvogel

Trip Prep Specialist

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.