The Family Winter Trips Issue, August 2009

Dear Traveler,

This summer the Hale family headed to the Northwest for a Backroads family adventure in the San Juan Islands. Time and time again, it’s the Backroads trips that everyone in my family looks forward to with the greatest excitement – and recalls with the happiest memories. Liz and I appreciate handing over the decision making to the Backroads leaders; for us there’s no planning, negotiation or mediation, just the opportunity to live in the moment with our kids. For Avery, William and Georgia, what could be better than the instant camaraderie of new friends, traveling in the company of cool Backroads leaders and exploring a new place on their own terms and at their own pace.

My lasting impressions:

• Seeing William, my 10-year-old son, really get into biking
• Knowing Avery, nearly 15, was having great fun with other teens (and that Facebook wasn’t part of the equation)
• Wrestling with 7-year-old Georgia about what ice cream flavor is better (and seeing huge personal growth!)
• Having dinner alone with Liz one evening
• Meeting really fun families, each with a different story and background
• Sneaking away for a little extra biking by myself
• Not having to “think” about what comes next
• Especially not having to “discuss” exactly what we were doing each day
• Being on the receiving end of the amazing job those Backroads leaders do

Check out what other guests are saying about their Backroads family trips. Three statements that are representative of the kind of feedback we receive follow, or click on  www.backroads.com/reviews for a more complete listing.

"This was the best trip ever - it combined the right amount of adult time with family time, exercise and leisure. Given the five-year difference in our kids' ages, combined with our younger son's endless energy, we wanted to find the family vacation that satisfied all our needs and goals, and Backroads fulfilled this in every way. Additionally, our leaders' willingness to be flexible with regard to our itinerary made the trip even more tailored to us. A perfect blend of activity, downtime, family, new friends. We are new fans!"

Janet Myers - Menlo Park, CA

"This was the best family trip we have ever taken, hands down. I never expected a group trip could be so enjoyable. We bonded with our leaders and the other families immediately - so much so that I expect we will keep in touch with them for a long time. This trip was different from others we have taken - it was an adventure, a challenge, and a growth opportunity for us. Normally, I wouldn't expect my kids (age 10 and 12) to think favorably of a 'growth opportunity', but they loved this trip and are still talking about it."

Susan Mandava - CT

"This was our first group trip as a family. Having traveled with Backroads before as a couple we were pretty sure it would go well, but you never know with kids. Our boys say this was the best trip they have ever taken and they loved everything about it - learning about a new country, the biking, the food, having fun with other families, and most of all - the great leaders! Our leaders made it easy for all the kids on the trip to become fast friends and for the parents to find time to relax. We'll definitely be doing another family Backroads trip again soon!"

Judy Osgood - Reno, NV

Our Trip Consultants are available to answer your questions daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give us a call us at 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) or visit us at www.backroads.com.

Happy trails,


Tom Hale
Founder and President

COSTA RICA MULTISPORT

Take vast expanses of tropical forests and sunny beaches; add a few smoking volcanoes and rushing rivers; toss in 209 species of mammals, 830 different kinds of birds and over 13,000 species of plants. What do you have? You have Costa Rica, a diminutive pocket geographically speaking, but a giant when it comes to natural beauty and diversity. Whether you choose a Multisport or an Insider Trip, you'll explore a grand slice of this incredible country in the company of expert Trip Leaders and local naturalists, whose insight will enhance your appreciation of this natural paradise.

BAJA MULTISPORT

A slender finger of desert land, Baja is cradled by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the brilliant-blue Sea of Cortez to the east - a picturesque balance of sunshine, sand and cactus-covered hills. At sea and on land, natural wonders abound in southern Baja. Bike in the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains and hike along spectacular cliffs by the Pacific. Kayak and snorkel through protected lagoons and inlets while pelicans and frigate birds soar overhead. Meet locals who are happy to share their culture, history and traditions. Each evening, a sunset almost too dramatic to believe closes the chapter on another perfect day in Baja.

View the Baja Multisport Itinerary.

YUCATÁN MULTISPORT

Bring your family to sunny Mexico for a Backroads adventure that combines plenty of activity and beach time with a window into the soul of the Yucatán. Here the past and present mix openly, providing a canvas for exploration like few others. Become immersed in the rich and varied history of the Maya with visits to numerous archaeological gems, including Chichén Itzá. Explore hidden caves and sleepy Maya villages. Plunge into crystalline jungle cenotes and snorkel in the azure Caribbean. Throughout our trip, we're embraced by the comforts of charming tropical hideaways and a seaside haven.

CALIFORNIA DESERTS MULTISPORT

The majestic scale of Death Valley National Park exalts the senses of adults and kids alike. It’s a place of surprising natural beauty, intriguing topographic extremes and ever-changing weather. And there’s no better way than biking and hiking with Backroads to experience the rich palette, surreal geography and many moods of this remarkable valley in southeastern California’s Mojave Desert. Sculpted rocks peer from behind huge rippling sand dunes. Brilliantly colored mountains frame isolated valleys and narrow canyons, and volcanic craters abound. And each evening, the sun sinks below rose-hued peaks in a desert sunset display like no other.

HAWAII MULTISPORT

The diversity of the Big Island's landscape is well matched to the activities on our multisport family adventure. Kids and adults will thrill at the prospect of hiking across a volcano crater and into a mysterious cave-like lava tube, as well as biking along the magical Hamakua Coast overlooking the Pacific. Paddle to caves, swim and snorkel in crystal-clear bays, and come face-to-face with sea turtles, beaked parrot fish and other fascinating sea creatures. You'll find that the Big Island is a sun-splashed playground perfect for family fun.

View the Hawaii Multisport Itinerary.

MOROCCO MULTISPORT

Travel with your family on a magical journey through exotic Morocco. On our six-day adventure, we make it easy for you and your kids to experience this fascinating country in comfort and style - with plenty of fun-filled activities for everyone. Explore vibrant Marrakech, travel to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and take in the windswept Atlantic coastline. See snake charmers and street performers amid the bustle of the medina, ride camels across the beach and stroll along the whitewashed walls of sun-bleached coastal towns. Come evening, settle into the region’s most luxurious hotels, featuring sparkling swimming pools and hospitality as warm as the Moroccan sun.

View the Morocco Multisport Itinerary.