Backroads in the News
Backroads is regularly featured in local and national publications. Here are some of our favorite articles:
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.
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.
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.
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.
5 New Walking Trips For 2022
October 10, 2021
As many of us slowly resume traveling, nothing epitomizes “slow travel” more than a walking trip. The best itineraries are a combination of dramatic scenery, wonderful regional cuisine and a pace that offers exercise and adventure in equal measure.
Backroads adds several U.S. trips for 2022
October 7, 2021
In response to surging demand, active-travel specialist Backroads has added 13 new trips to its North America offerings for 2022, including a mix of biking, walking and multi-adventure tours.
Covid nixed her 3-generation ranch vacation. Here’s how she pivoted — and how you can, too.
September 10, 2021
There was a coronavirus outbreak among the ranch’s staff; in two days, the numbers had climbed from three to 18 infections. After briefly mourning the loss of our intended vacation, we jumped into action to create a Plan B.
Beautiful Fall Walking Tours
August 30, 2021
Seeing the United States on foot is one of the best ways to experience her landscapes in all their stunning glory. From coast to coast, the entire nation is ripe with walkable terrain just begging to be explored.
Who Needs a Whirlwind Trip When You Can Take It Slow?
August 12, 2021
The slow travel movement has come into its own during the pandemic, as many travelers contemplate the need for more thoughtful, sustainable forms of exploring.
‘Revenge Travel,’ Family Edition
August 11, 2021
At Backroads, bookings for family trips next year are up 150 percent from where they were at this point in 2019, with Ecuador, Costa Rica and Peru surging for fall and the holidays.
Tour operators say the great outdoors is filling up fast
May 23, 2021
At the adventure company Backroads, summer trips are mostly sold out, with few opportunities to add itineraries because hotels in always-popular places like national parks and other outdoors-focused destinations are booked up.
5 Adventure Companies Welcoming Americans Back To Europe
April 25, 2021
Backroads has trips scheduled for Iceland, Croatia, Greece and the United Kingdom this year. Their Santorini & Crete Multi-Adventure Tour has departures starting as early as July.
So You Want to Plan a Cycling Vacation?
April 14, 2021
Cycling trips take place on custom-built titanium bikes, lodging ranges from small luxury ships (imagine cycling beside and sailing down the Danube) to five-star hotels, and the food is as finely crafted as the routes.
How Tour Operators Are Adapting as Travel Restarts
April 6, 2021
Backroads, which has run more than 200 of its trips since the pandemic began, assigns equipment such as hiking poles to individuals at the start of a trip to minimize gear sharing (it also sterilizes equipment daily).
Making Our Travels More Meaningful
February 3, 2021
As part of the movement to make travel more meaningful, the active multi-sport tour company Backroads is running a new Historic Underground Railroad Multi-Adventure Tour in Georgia and South Carolina.
Book now, pay later: The new trend that’s reshaping travel during the pandemic
January 27, 2021
Backroads now allows travelers the option to cancel and receive a full refund of their deposit up until their final payment due date in order to give guests more time to decide if travel will work for them without any financial risk.
