Media Center
2008 Backroads Fact Sheet
Who? Backroads, an active travel company, is offering 1,234 scheduled departures in 2008. Trips include biking, walking/hiking, multisport and our new Insider Trips, which shift the focus from physical activity to in-depth cultural explorations. Seventy-five percent of Backroads guests have traveled with Backroads before or were referred by a friend. Founded by Tom Hale in 1979, Backroads began as a small regional bike touring company, offering trips in the western United States and the Canadian Rockies and has grown to be the world’s #1 active travel company, with the most destinations, itineraries and annual departures in the active vacation industry.
What? Backroads is offering more than 300 itineraries—bicycling, walking, hiking, multisport and Insider vacations for all tastes, ages and abilities in 42 countries and territories around the world. Backroads vacations are fully supported with a van that serves as a mobile refreshment and bike repair center, and offers a lift to guests who’d like a rest. A trailer carries all luggage and gear, leaving travelers free to explore under their own power, light in load and spirit. Guests on Premiere Inn Trips stay at luxurious five-star hotels and dine on award-winning cuisine. Backroads’ Casual Inn Trips feature comfortable accommodations and meals at family-run eateries. Deluxe Camping Trips offer stays at scenic campgrounds where Backroads Trip Leaders prepare delicious hearty meals and handle all of the camp chores. Select biking, walking & hiking, and multisport departures are designated exclusively for families and Single+Solo travelers. There are 12 new Insider Trip destinations for those seeking a legendary Backroads experience at a slower pace. And Private Trips are tailored to each group’s interests, activity levels and busy schedules.
When? Year-round
Where? Nearly 100 destinations worldwide, including 6 continents, 40 countries, 5 Canadian provinces, the island of Sicily, China provinces of Tibet & Yunnan, and 16 U.S. states.
Bicycling Vacations
Europe & the Mediterranean: Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey.
Latin America: Argentina, Chile, and Costa Rica.
Asia & the Pacific: Bali, Cambodia, China, Hawaii, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam.
North America: U.S. (Alaska, Arizona, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming); Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia).
Walking & Hiking Vacations
Europe & the Mediterranean: Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey.
Latin America: Argentina & Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador & Galapagos and Peru.
Asia & the Pacific: Bhutan, Kauai, New Zealand, South Africa & Botswana, Tibet & Yunnan, and Vietnam & Cambodia.
North America: Alaska, Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia), California, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming.
Multisport Adventures
Europe, the Mediterranean: Croatia, France, Ireland, Italy, Morocco and Switzerland.
Latin America: Belize, Costa Rica, Ecuador & Galápagos Islands, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru.
Africa, Asia & the Pacific: Australia, Bali, Bhutan, Hawaii, Morocco, South Africa & Botswana, Thailand, Vietnam and New Zealand.
North America: Alaska, Arizona, California, Canada (Alberta, Prince Edward Island, Québec), Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming.
Insider Trips
Europe, the Mediterranean: Czech Republic & Austria, Croatia, France, Italy, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Latin America: Costa Rica, Peru.
Africa, Asia & the Pacific: China, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos, South Africa & Botswana.
North America: California Wine Country, Canadian Rockies, New Mexico.
Why? Active travel with Backroads is action-packed adventure, new discoveries, physical exhilaration and accomplishment, camaraderie and world-class comforts.
For more information contact Holly Woolard, 1-800-462-2848 ext. 156.