Backroads in the News
Backroads is regularly featured in local and national publications. Here are some of our favorite articles:
Media Mentions
I Biked My Way Through Sicily — and It Was the Best Way to Discover Small Towns, Delicious Food, and Local Culture
October 29, 2022
A vivid travelogue of a Backroads bike-tour through Sicily—pedaling past citrus orchards and Baroque villages, relaxing in refined lodgings, and embracing the island’s uniquely laid-back style.
Backroads Has The Perfect Active Vacation For Every Kind Of Traveler
August 20, 2022
A comprehensive overview of how Backroads offers something for every traveler—from intense biker/hikers to leisurely walkers—showcasing the brand’s breadth of trips, top-tier hotels and food/wine focus.
Bike tours take off after COVID, as a recent trip to Portugal proved in spades
August 2, 2022
A firsthand account of a Backroads bike + boat trip through Portugal and Spain’s Douro Valley, showing how e-bikes and small-group travel have re-ignited Americans’ post-COVID passion for adventure.
The Post-Divorce Breakup Trip Is Having a Moment
June 12, 2022
Travel has come roaring back this year, and some people whose relationships ended during the pandemic are looking to observe the split with a trip.
Freewheel the Finger Lakes
May 23, 2022
As the riesling grapes around New York's Finger Lakes begin to ripen, active-tour company Backroads will take to the wine region's rolling hills and lakeshore paths in a series of new five-day culinary-exploration-meets-fall-color cycling tours.
Not all seniors are into cruises and bus tours: Here are 5 active trip ideas for 50+ travelers
May 17, 2022
Active travel specialist Backroads also categorizes its tours according to traveler type; while it does not list a “50 and older” group, active seniors who enjoy traveling with family or a variety of age groups may fit under “family” or “20 and older.”
Summer family travel blooms with spring
April 13, 2022
Spring is here, and summer family vacation planning isn't far behind. Parents looking to take the kids to Europe can take comfort in the fact that complicated pandemic restrictions have eased across the Continent and in the U.K.
Cycling and River Cruises with Backroads & Ama Waterways
April 11, 2022
AmaWaterways and Backroads teamed for a variety of active travel river cruising experiences – adventuring through Europe’s most captivating destinations with what she called Backroads’ “immersive, meticulously planned biking and hiking tours.
Taking the kids: Celebrating women when you travel this spring
March 24, 2022
We are at the tail end of Women’s History Month, but as you plan your spring and summer trips, consider noting women’s contributions wherever and however you travel. Consider it a teaching moment for your kids.
5 Irish Adventures
March 16, 2022
What’s the best way to explore Ireland, which is once again open to travelers? For those with a sense of adventure, seeing the country by bike or on foot with a specialized small group tour company is the way to go.
Nothing Like A Family Bike Trip in Death Valley to Make You Feel Alive
March 16, 2022
He proposed they take the family excursion to celebrate his 84th birthday. ‘I’ve always wanted to go there,’ he said. ‘We need to do it before I get old.’ And so off they went, all six of them.
E-Bikes Are Making Cycling Vacations Accessible to a New Crowd
February 25, 2022
Face it: Not everybody likes riding bikes. Electric bikes let both fans and detractors pedal as much or as little as they want.
Over 50 and love to travel? These 7 tour companies are perfect for you
February 1, 2022
Guided tour specialist Backroads, which specializes in cycling, hiking and multisport vacations, knows that a love of athletic pursuits in the great outdoors is a lifelong passion for many.
Think you can’t handle a bicycle tour? Consider using an e-bike
January 19, 2022
Getting to know your way around a new town can be challenging, whether you’re traveling or relocating. In either case, I’ve always been a proponent of doing so via running or cycling, thanks to the unique vantage point the activities offer.
7 Tour Companies That Cater to Travelers Over 50
January 19, 2022
Most tours for older travelers do a good job meeting the needs of travelers in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and even 90s, but there are some travel tour companies for seniors that go above and beyond.
Biking Through the Balearic Islands
January 14, 2022
Berkeley-based Backroads has been leading guided biking, hiking, and multi-sport adventure trips around the world since 1979, when founder Tom Hale first had an idea to start a bike touring company and encourage active travel.
Taking the kids: How to have a safe and sane family vacation this winter
January 13, 2022
Backroads, the leader in outdoor travel, has trips for families whether your kids are in elementary school, high school, college or 20-something. There are trips in U.S. national parks, as well as Canada for 2022.
Montenegro is having a moment
December 22, 2021
Backroads, for example, is featuring two Multi-Adventure Croatia to Montenegro tours – one "Easygoing" for people like myself who prefer a dolce tempo pace (Backroads lingo for slower travel and e-bike assistance).
Picked up an outdoor pursuit during COVID? Take it to the next level with an active vacation
December 11, 2021
According to a 2021 study by the Outdoor Industry Association, “Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, more Americans have turned to the outdoors, some for the first time and others for the first time in many years.
Cruise to Enchanting Destinations Along the Beautiful Danube
December 8, 2021
Contrary to impressions gleaned from the familiar title of Strauss’ beloved waltz, the Danube is not blue. Despite misleading references regarding its color, the marvelous Danube surely conjures more storybook visions than any other river on Earth.
Active River Cruises: If You Enjoy Cycling, You’ll Love These Trips
December 2, 2021
I LOVE Backroads. What’s to love? The company layers its active adventures, primarily cycling, on top of cruises, both ocean and river. Your floating hotel is your oasis for rest and replenishment.
26 fun and unique experience gifts for the person who hates getting stuff
November 23, 2021
Some people absolutely do not want stuff. You may not be able to afford to foot the bill for their vacation to Europe, but you can send them on a mini adventure that could be a highlight of their trip.
Need a Kentucky-inspired present? Try one of these 20 creative holiday gift ideas
November 11, 2021
We've rounded up some of our favorite gifts that can be bought in Kentucky, from sweet treats and bourbon to books and gifts of experience to self-care items, gifts for kids and more.
Can California Tourism Survive Climate Change?
October 26, 2021
California is often presented in the media as an object of disaster, as Tom Hale underscored to me. As we all know, climate change is not a state or country specific issue.
5 New European Bike Tours For 2022
October 12, 2021
Seeing the world on two wheels is a pretty terrific way to get back into the swing of travel. The grand prize for so many riders is Europe and some of the best tour operators in the world have obliged with new biking itineraries for 2022.
