The “Why Backroads” Issue, December 2006
Dear Traveler,
A Backroads trip is a unique kind of travel experience, and inevitably people have questions about what to expect and if our style of travel makes sense for them. In the event you have any lingering questions, read on for some of our most frequently asked questions. If we’ve missed one of yours, please don’t hesitate to ask. We look forward to seeing you on a Backroads trip in the new year.
Happy holidays,
Tom Hale
Founder and President
MAKING IT EASIER FOR YOU
Q. My busy weekdays don’t leave me much time to plan a vacation. When am I going to have a chance to call Backroads?
A. Our expert Trip Consultants are available to take your call every day from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Pacific time. Yes, Saturdays and Sundays too!
Q. I’ve decided on a trip. Do I have to worry about it being cancelled?
A. Once you’ve made a deposit, we guarantee your trip will run! Aside from a few rare exceptions*, we won’t cancel a departure due to low enrollment. That means from the moment you reserve your space, you can rest assured that your work and childcare arrangements, and coordination with friends and family can be made with certainty. You won’t have to worry about paying airline ticket change fees, and can go ahead and use those pesky frequent flier miles or equally elusive upgrades.
TOO HARD, TOO EASY OR JUST RIGHT?
Q. Are these active trips too hard for someone who doesn’t work out all the time? Am I going to feel out of place in a group of really athletic people?
A. Not at all—to both questions. We know that active people have different levels of fitness, so we consciously design trips with options for varying abilities. What’s more, on each day of the trip you have the flexibility to do as much or as little as you’d like. As for feeling out of place—this is an understandable concern before someone has traveled with Backroads, but moments into the trip it’s clear that we’re not staging an athletic event. People who travel with us enjoy being active; but more importantly they enjoy living life at their own pace, with the total immersion in a destination that you can only experience by bike or on foot.
Q. I really don’t bike at home, and one of the trips that interests me is rated Levels 1–4. I’m hoping this means I can do some easy rides, right?
A. Well, yes—there will certainly be some Level 1 options, and your Trip Leaders can also recommend some options with even fewer miles. To find the best trip for you, please give us a call and one of our Trip Consultants will be happy to review the trips that best match your style.
Q. My impression is that people on Backroads trips aren’t hardcore biking or hiking enthusiasts, while I’m pretty serious about being active. Will I have anyone to bike or hike with?
A. Yes! On trips rated Levels 2–5, you’ll be joined by travelers who are into more challenging hikes or rides.
Q. I doubt I’ll want to bike or hike every day. Is someone going to make me feel guilty if I just feel like lounging by the pool?
A. This is your vacation; you can read a book poolside, explore the village shops, indulge in a spa treatment, do whatever you feel like doing—including (when the spirit moves you) getting on your bike or putting on your hiking boots and exploring the surrounding countryside.
Q. Are multisport trips for people who want to be active all day?
A. Our multisport trips weren’t designed for triathletes. In fact, they were created as an easygoing way to explore, combining biking and walking with other fun-filled activities that take advantage of the best a region has to offer—perhaps it’s kayaking, rafting, snorkeling or surfing and much, much more. And because of the variety from day to day, multisport trips are ideal for kids and families. That said, a Backroads multisport trip can also be a great way to get a diverse and fun cross-training workout every day!
WHAT ABOUT THIS GROUP THING?
Q. We’re not sure how we feel about taking a group trip. We really like to do things our own way, and we’re not keen on staying in a group throughout the day.
A. If our trips were like that, we wouldn’t be too keen either. We’ll let a recent Backroads guest answer this one: “We prefer to travel on our own so we can do what we want, when we want. With Backroads we didn’t have to sacrifice our privacy and flexibility—we had both, plus the bonus of fun new friends. It was the perfect balance.”
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Q. Is it really possible to enjoy an active vacation with children?
A. Absolutely. Every year hundreds of Backroads guests discover just how great traveling with kids can be. Our expert Trip Development folks have figured out the ideal balance of activities you can do together, as well as kid-oriented diversions and plenty of opportunities for parents or grandparents to do things on their own.
THE LAST WORD ON BACKROADS
Q. Couldn’t I put together a trip on my own and save money?
A. Perhaps—if you had the time to do all the research and planning. If you could gather a fun group of people and get everyone’s interests and vacation times in sync. If you could book the best hotels on the right dates. If you spoke the language and could line up local experts, book great places to eat, arrange entry to restricted sites and special events. If you could get up-to-date maps and detailed instructions on the best biking routes or walking trails. If you could move your luggage from hotel to hotel while you’re biking or walking. If you wouldn’t miss the inside knowledge and support of experienced Trip Leaders who can suggest interesting diversions and look after your special requests. And if you also wouldn’t miss the Backroads van sweeping your route throughout the day, offering refreshments, or a place to stow that wonderful ceramic dish you bought or a lift back to the hotel for a shower and drinks….
You get the point. We obviously believe that “savings” are in the eye of the beholder, and for our money, Backroads trips represent fantastic value. But then, we’re a little bit biased.
Call: 800-462-2848 or contact your travel agent.