Backroads Media Center: Press Releases

Backroads, the leader in active travel, today released their top picks for a last-minute family adventure – the perfect antidote to summer doldrums and vacation procrastination. With a few clicks of the mouse or a phone call, families open the door to a world of possibility and discovery in iconic US national parks, such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains and the Grand Canyon. Or they can venture farther from home to discover the natural beauty and rich cultures of France, Iceland, Switzerland and Canada, among other Backroads destinations. Whether it’s biking, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, exploring a cave dwelling, learning how to make mozzarella or kids-only fun, Backroads has options for every member of the family.

With over 30 years of experience in family travel, Backroads seamlessly handles the planning and logistics of hundreds of Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure vacations around the world. Parents trust Backroads to do the heavy lifting for an active summer vacation so they can just show up and have a blast with their kids. From riding family-friendly bike paths in the Czech Republic to saddling up for a horseback ride with local wranglers in Montana or kayaking in the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Mallorca, there’s never a dull moment on a Backroads family trip. The company’s commitment to excellence, its flexible itineraries and exceptional Trip Leaders set it apart in the active travel industry. Three or more leaders guide every trip so parents can enjoy some quality adult time while kids, teens and 20-somethings get to hang out with leaders and their peers.

Backroads guests consistently rave about experiencing an active vacation with likeminded travelers, and this is especially true for families. That’s why Backroads is the only travel company that offers Family Trips for three different age groups so families can experience the magic of traveling with other guests in similar life stages: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids age 17+) and Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond (one or more kids age 20+). With summer—and perhaps college or other important rites of passage—on the horizon, it’s a great time to book a family vacation.

Snapshot of Backroads Family Trips with Space Available Include:

• Basque Country Multi-Adventure Tour
• Brittany & Normandy Bike Tour
• Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon Multi-Adventure Tour
• California's Yosemite Multi-Adventure Tour
• Czech Republic & Austria Multi-Adventure Tour
• Great Smoky Mountains Multi-Adventure Tour
• Loire Valley Bike Tour
• Maine's Acadia Multi-Adventure Tour
• Oregon's Bend & the Cascades Multi-Adventure Tour
• Portugal Multi-Adventure Tour
• Spain's Mallorca Multi-Adventure Tour
• Spanish Pyrenees to Costa Brava Multi-Adventure Tour
• Switzerland Multi-Adventure Tour
• Wyoming’s Yellowstone & Tetons & Montana’s Big Sky Multi-Adventure Tour
• Wyoming's Yellowstone & Tetons Multi-Adventure Tour

“Getting away with your kids on a summer vacation is a great bonding experience no matter how old they are,” said Backroads Founder & President, Tom Hale. “Our kids grew up on Backroads trips and as they got older, I realized how important it was to have activities and meals designed for specific age groups. That’s why Backroads offers family trips for three distinct age categories. Teens and young adults want to engage with their peers, and the same goes for the younger ones. Meanwhile, parents are connecting with other parents, and there’s this great synergy happening between people in the same stage of life. Everyone’s just having a great time being active, spending time outdoors and learning and experiencing new things. We defy any kid to say they’re bored on a Backroads trip!”

For the complete collection of Backroads Family Trips and for more information, visit Backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.

About Backroads

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. Guests join Backroads to bike, hike and so much more—on expertly planned active adventures highlighting the unique character of each destination. The company offers multiple ways to go active: Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure tours; Active Ocean & River Cruises, Active Safari, Active Culinary and Snow Adventures; and Dolce Tempo trips for travel at a more relaxed pace. Backroads also offers Private Trips and Family Trips designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids age 17+) and Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond (one or more kids age 20+). Repeat guests and referrals from past guests make up many of the travelers that Backroads hosts each year in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.

AmaWaterways and Backroads - together leaders in active river cruising - today announced an exciting 2023 and 2024 lineup of more than 140 European river cruise departures featuring Backroads enhanced biking tours. During this eighth year of collaboration, guests can join these designated departures that bring Backroads best-in-class bike adventure tours to the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers of Bordeaux; the Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine Rivers; and the Dutch & Belgian Waterways.

In 2015, AmaWaterways and Backroads created the ultimate active river cruising experience - inviting travelers to explore some of Europe’s most captivating destinations with immersive, meticulously planned bike trips with the world-class services and expertise that Backroads is known for, and then ending each day in the comfort and luxury of an AmaWaterways river ship. River cruising takes guests into the heart of a region, and with Backroads thoughtful tour design and unique biking routes, guests can explore the best biking in the region while immersing themselves in the local culture and regional cuisine. 

Whether as part of a Backroads group or on a full ship charter, every Backroads departure with AmaWaterways provides expert Trip Leaders and individualized support with multiple vans, which allow for optimum flexibility and a variety of biking route options each day. With trips in over 55 countries and 44 years of experience running exceptional adventures, Backroads offers unmatched expertise in the world of active travel.

“Being active by day while living aboard a luxurious ship and unpacking just one time makes our active river cruises a perfect way to experience up to five different countries during an eight-day vacation,” said Backroads Founder & President, Tom Hale. “We were the first company to offer guests this unique way to enjoy an adventure vacation along with the luxury of an AmaWaterways ship. Since our very first collaboration with AmaWaterways in 2015, our offerings have continued to grow to include trips for families, full ship celebrations, leisurely e-bike only departures and now our new Bordeaux Active River Cruise, which is a perfect combination of beautiful biking, gourmet cuisine and superb wines from one of the best regions in France.”

2023-2024 river cruise trips available through AmaWaterways and Backroads include: 

Recommended for Couples, Friends & Solos

• Bordeaux River Cruise Bike Tour  
• Danube River Cruise Bike Tour  
• Dutch & Belgian Waterways – Tulip Time from Amsterdam to Bruges – River Cruise Bike Tour 
• Portugal's Douro River Cruise Bike Tour
• Rhine River Cruise Bike Tour
• Seine River Cruise Bike Tour 

Recommended for Families 

• Backroads runs unique family-focused itineraries for three distinct age groups: Teens & Kids; Older Teens & 20s; Adult Kids 20s & Beyond
• Danube River Cruise Bike Tour
• Rhine River Cruise Bike Tour

Dolce Tempo Easygoing Active River Cruises
Backroads Dolce Tempo tours are perfect for travelers new to active travel, or those who want to explore the world actively at a more leisurely pace. 

• Danube River Easygoing E-bike Tour 
• Rhine River Cruise Easygoing E-bike Tour 

Full Ship Celebration Bike Tour River Cruises
Backroads Full Ship Celebration tours are exclusive sailings where the complete ship is reserved to host 100+ Backroads guests.

• Danube River Cruise Full Ship Celebration Bike Tour
• Portugal’s Douro River Cruise Full Ship Celebration Bike Tour 

“Our collaboration with Backroads is one of our most valued partnerships, as it is a natural extension of our commitment to health and wellness on all our sailings, and it allows us to further cater to the growing active traveler market,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. “Guests choosing to join a Backroads group or full ship charter are able to participate in active biking experiences as part of Backroads’ program, while those looking for more relaxed tours of the destinations are still able to have a wonderful experience by participating in AmaWaterways’ cultural or culinary tours each day, so there truly is something for every type of traveler.”   

While on board, guests enjoy AmaWaterways’ award-winning cuisine, welcoming service and comfortable staterooms - many with signature twin-balconies and connecting and triple occupancy that are ideal for the growing multi-generational group travel market. Additional amenities include a daily Sip & Sail complimentary cocktail hour, heated Sun Deck pool or whirlpool, hair and massage salons, fitness center and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ships. 

For more information and to book an AmaWaterways river cruise with enhanced biking experiences, visit backroads.com.      

Visit AmaWaterways.com/special-offers for details on applicable dates and terms and conditions for all offers.

To reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise for a client, visit AmaWaterways.com or call 1.800.626.0126. Follow AmaWaterways on Facebook at Facebook.com/AmaWaterways, Instagram @AmaWaterways, Twitter @AmaWaterways, and YouTube at YouTube.com/AmaWaterways.

MEDIA NOTE: Hi-res images can be found HERE.

About AmaWaterways
Family-owned and operated for 20 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 28 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s Danube, Douro, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, and Dutch and Belgian Waterways; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2024). Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track, and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna, and the introduction of the history-making Seven River Journey itineraries. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options. 

About Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. Guests join Backroads to bike, hike, and so much more—on expertly planned active adventures highlighting the unique character of each destination. The company offers multiple ways to go active: Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure tours; Active Ocean & River Cruises, Safari, Culinary and Snow Adventures; and Dolce Tempo trips, featuring the same great itineraries at a more leisurely pace. Backroads also offers Private Trips and Family Trips designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids age 17+) and Families with Adult Kids 20s & Beyond (one or more kids age 20+). Repeat guests and referrals from past guests make up many of the travelers that Backroads hosts each year in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.

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Backroads Media Contact     
Liz Einbinder     
liz_einbinder@backroads.com     
510-292-0753      
 
AmaWaterways Media Contact
Becca Maroney or Lily Dyrsten
203-807-3450 or ama@hemsworthcommunications.com

Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced a featured list of the most romantic hotel properties for couples to stay on a biking, hiking or multi-adventure vacation with the company. Whether it’s views of the sea and lush fragrant gardens in Vietnam, savoring dinner at the most photogenic spot on the Amalfi Coast or relaxing in a private outdoor jacuzzi surrounded by cloud forest in Costa Rica, Backroads guests stay at some of the most enchanting hotels on the planet. From honeymoons and babymoons to special anniversaries and grand gestures to say “I love you,” couples can experience the romance of exquisite hotels on multiple active trips with Backroads throughout the year, not just in February. 

Best Hotels for a Romantic Vacation Include: 

• Alentejo, Portugal – São Lourenço do Barrocal (Portugal Bike Tour) 

Passion and romance are rooted in the soil of this family-run 200-year-old agrarian estate. Far away from the city lights in a designated Dark Sky Reserve, it’s a remarkable place for stargazing. Rustic style, pastoral charm and luxurious amenities earn a spot on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List.

Highlight: The peace, quiet and simple beauty of the olive groves. 

• Alsace, France – La Cheneaudière (Champagne & Alsace Bike Tour)

The French are masters at the art of l'amour, and this recently renovated boutique hotel in the heart of the Alsace wine region hits all the notes. Secreted away in a Vosgian forest, the modern hotel offers many ways and spaces for couples to relax and indulge. 

Highlight: Time at the 3-story Nature Spa with its four swimming pools, five saunas, two hammam and decadent treatments. 
 

• Anacapri, Italy – Caesar Augustus (Italy’s Amalfi Coast Walking & Hiking Tour) 

There’s no denying the inherent romance of an ancient villa suspended between the sea and the sky, set high on the cliffs above the Mediterranean. Paths to amorous encounters include a cascade of terraces perched above the sea, fine Italian cuisine and the wellness spa. 

Highlight: The double level infinity pool overlooking the Amalfi Coast. 
 

• Cornwall, England – Hotel Tresanton (England’s Cornwall Walking & Hiking Tour) 

There’s something about the elegant coastal comfort of this sun-drenched cluster of cottages that encourages hand-holding and other gestures of affection. Tucked into the hillside in the village of St. Mawes on the Roseland Peninsula, this chic Italian inspired oasis offers rooms with enviable sea views, alfresco dining and is perfect for lazing in the sun.  

Highlight: Dinner by candlelight on the terrace of the hotel’s restaurant. 
 

• Mallorca, Spain – Cap Rocat (Mallorca Bike Tour) 

The transformation of this cold austere fortress into a fairy-tale Mediterranean oasis is an architectural and environmental love letter. Overlooking the Bay of Palma, couples enjoy tapas and wine by the sea, and breakfast with views of the bay from their private terrace.   

Highlight: A treatment at the candlelit underground spa followed by a swim in the saltwater pool beneath a glass skylight. 
 

• Selfoss, Iceland – Torfhús (Iceland Northern Lights Multi-Adventure Tour)  

What could inspire romantic dreams more than experiencing the Northern Lights from your private lava rock hot tub? The nighttime spectacle combined with cold temperatures are quite conducive to snuggling up close. Dining on innovative cuisine from locally sourced ingredients adds a special note to this truly unique couples’ retreat. 

Highlight: Stargazing from the outdoor geothermal basalt hot tub. 
 

• Aspen, Colorado – Hotel Jerome (Aspen’s Glacial Valleys Bike Tour – 4-Day Getaway)  

This storied hotel’s stately style and rustic charm set the scene for romantic moments and lighthearted fun. Luxurious and cozy rooms provide a welcome respite after days spent biking together – perfect for a romantic getaway. 

Highlight: Leather armchairs, appetizers and cocktails in front of the fire at the hotel’s moody speakeasy, Bad Harriet.  
 

• East Burke, Vermont – Inn at Burklyn (Vermont to Quebec Bike Tour) 

This stunning hilltop mansion set amid Vermont’s rolling hills is the ultimate idyllic couples’ retreat. With cozy rooms, dreamy views in every direction and a namesake like Elmer Darling, the gorgeous property was destined to be a beloved destination for weddings and honeymoons in the Northeast.  

Highlight: Long walks on the property’s 86 acres of undulating fields and woodland. 
 

• Northern Highlands, Costa Rica – Nayara Gardens (Costa Rica Bike Tour) 

Secluded villas in the mist-draped rain forest near Arenal Volcano epitomize romance. The intimate wine bar is an ideal spot for a post-ride glass of Champagne with your significant other. 

Highlight: Private hot tubs fed by natural hot springs on-site.  
 

• Hoi An, Vietnam – The Nam Hai (Vietnam & Cambodia Bike Tour) 

Couples enter a portal to paradise at this luxurious Shangri-La in the heart of Vietnam. From the open-air lobby to the Olympic-sized infinity pool looking out onto the spectacular white-sand Ha My Beach, the all-villa hotel serves up drama and beauty wherever you look.  

Highlight: Quiet moments and lazy mornings in private tranquil villas.  

“Sharing outdoor adventures with someone you love is a great bonding experience, and when you feel connected to your partner—that’s true romance,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “And there’s nothing better after a day on the bike or on the hiking trail than being able to unwind and relax together at an exceptional hotel, whether that’s a five-star modern resort, a charming rustic inn or a tranquil eco-retreat. As a company, we’re honored to have so many of our guests choose to celebrate their engagements, honeymoons and anniversaries on a Backroads trip.”  

Backroads stays at many romantic properties across the globe, in addition to those listed above. To learn more, visit backroads.com to view the entire menu of Backroads vacations and see our Top 10 Adventure Vacations for Couples list by clicking here. For more information or to book a trip, contact Guest Services at 800-462-2848.  

About Backroads

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. Guests join Backroads to bike, hike, paddle—and so much more—on expertly planned active adventures highlighting the unique character of each destination. The company offers multiple ways to go active: Bike, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventures tours; Active Ocean & River Cruises, Safari, Culinary and Snow Adventures; and Dolce Tempo trips. Backroads also offers Private Trips and Family Trips designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids age 17+) and Families with Adult Kids 20s & Beyond (one or more kids age 20+). Repeat guests and referrals from past guests make up many of the travelers that Backroads hosts each year in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848. 

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Backroads Media Contact       

Liz Einbinder       
liz_einbinder@backroads.com  
510-292-0753

Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced its 2023 top adventure travel trends based on guest bookings to date. From people reserving trips further in advance than in prior years to increased demand for active adventure vacations for all ages and fitness abilities, Backroads is tracking interesting shifts in how and where people want to travel next year. Whether they are seeking an island escape, a US national park, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail or a seaside village in Northern Europe, Americans are on the go again and the following exciting trends are emerging.

Backroads’ 2023 Top Trends (based on early booking data)

FOMO Is Motivating Earlier Bookings Than Ever Before – In 2022, travelers were inclined to make last-minute bookings, driven by the fear of change (i.e., COVID-19 regulations, canceled flights, etc.). Backroads is currently seeing a big increase in bookings more than 9 months out for 2023 departures as travelers book milestone celebrations and private group travel, and those with FOMO (fear of missing out) organize and secure vacation plans for next year – especially to bucket-list destinations.

Northern Europe Is Trending Hot – For decades, the countries of Western Europe were all-the-rage destinations. Spain, Italy and France remain extremely popular, but countries making many 2023 bucket lists now include Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Scotland and other nations in the northern part of the continent.

Wine- and Spirits-Focused Adventures Are Having a Moment – The wine regions of California and Europe continue to be enduring favorites, but spirits tours are also of great interest among a growing segment of travelers. Trips spotlighting spirits like scotch and whiskey, along with a region’s history, culture and culinary delights, are enticing adventure travelers to enjoy beautiful biking along with walking and hiking in Cuba, Kentucky, Ireland and Scotland.

Wild Places and Outdoor Spaces: US National Parks Continue to Sell Out – Americans have rediscovered US national parks, where they can spot wildlife and explore some of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes with friends and family. The desire to experience America’s treasured outdoor spaces actively continues in 2023 with Glacier, Yellowstone & Tetons, Maine’s Acadia, Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon topping the list.

Islands and Tropical Adventures Are the Ultimate Escape – Americans’ unrelenting digital lives can take a toll, and islands have always been regarded as a refuge from the modern world. In 2023, the allure of active adventures featuring beaches, wildlife and warm weather is evident, especially to places like Bali, Hawaii, Greece, Sardinia & Corsica, Sicily, Spain and the San Juan Islands.

Active River and Ocean Cruises Navigate Their Escalating Popularity – Traveling aboard a small luxury ship, actively exploring multiple destinations and only unpacking once gets a big thumbs up from guests booking Backroads Active River or Ocean Cruises for next year. Trips along the Danube, Seine and Portugal’s Douro Rivers, as well as Venice to Croatia, Iceland by Sea, Chile’s Patagonia & Fjords and Tahiti are proving to be the biggest draws.

Luxury Active Travel Happening at a More Relaxed Pace – When it comes to active travel, “active” is in the eye of the beholder. People are looking for just the right amount of activity coupled with the right amount of leisure time. This is the idea behind Backroads’ Dolce Tempo Trips, which strike that optimal balance between “doing” and “being,” so that they appeal to an even wider range of travelers. The most popular of these adventure tours are in Netherlands & Belgium, Puglia, Ireland, Tuscany and Spain.

E-bikes Are Here to Stay – Today e-bikes (electric-assist bikes) are in high demand and offered free to Backroads guests on most Biking and Multi-Adventure Tours and all Dolce Tempo vacations with biking activities. While many travelers prefer regular “acoustic” bikes, traveling companions of different fitness and biking abilities are increasingly discovering that e-bikes not only help level the playing field, they also provide a boost when needed to help conquer hills. Not to mention, they’re just plain fun!

“Health and fitness have always been a big part of my life and factor into the design of every Backroads trip,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “Whether it’s hiking, biking, taking it slow on a Dolce Tempo trip or traveling with family, the desire to be active on vacation is definitely not a new trend, just a growing one. Backroads has been helping people actively discover the world for 43 years, and we look forward to doing so for many more.”

For more information on all of Backroads 2023 trips visit backroads.com. To take over an existing scheduled trip to make it a private group go here.

About Backroads

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. Guests join Backroads to bike, hike, paddle—and so much more—on expertly planned active adventures highlighting the unique character of each destination. The company offers multiple ways to go active: Bike, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventures tours; Active Ocean & River Cruises, Safari, Culinary and Snow Adventures; and Dolce Tempo trips. Backroads also offers Private Trips and Family Trips designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids age 17+) and Families with Adult Kids 20s & Beyond (one or more kids age 20+). Repeat guests and referrals from past guests make up many of the travelers that Backroads hosts each year in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.

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Backroads Media Contact

Liz Einbinder
liz_einbinder@backroads.com

510-292-0753

Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced a new online search tool that makes it easier than ever to find and book Private Trips, increasing access and visibility for guests interested in organizing a private group trip to anywhere Backroads travels. Backroads Private Trips are perfect for milestone celebrations, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions of all kinds, family get-togethers and for traveling to bucket-list destinations with friends.

Backroads’ new easy-to-use Private Trips search tool allows travelers to select their desired trip details—including group size, date, activity and location—to scan open departure dates available for Private Trip takeovers and immediately reserve the perfect date for the adventure they seek and then Backroads does the rest. Drawing from 43 years of creating exceptional active travel experiences that are culturally enriching and designed for guests of varying ability levels, the company has trip research, planning and logistics down to a fine art. Private Trip guests can relax knowing all they need to do is show up and have the time of their lives.

Backroads Private Trips Include:

• Flexible biking, hiking and/or multi-adventure activities offered each day with a range of route mileage options
• Trips for all ages and activity levels
• Access to the finest hotels, cuisine and scenic routes in locations around the globe
• Exceptional Trip Leaders with multiple leaders on every trip
• Hundreds of available Private Trip takeover dates to choose from
• Itineraries highlighting the best and most unique local and cultural experiences
• Available departure dates through 2024 (book early for the greatest selection)  
• Pricing based on group size and trip. Backroads hosts Private Trip groups of all sizes, and in most cases groups of 16-20 people receive the best pricing.

“Backroads’ Private Trips have everything our small group trips offer, from flexibility and incredible leaders to great itineraries that explore amazing places. Best of all, you get to travel with your handpicked group,” said Backroads Founder and President Tom Hale. “You just need to get your group onboard, choose your destination and date, and then let Backroads take it from there. There’s just nothing better than bonding over a shared love of travel and thirst for adventure with people you care for, and that’s what Backroads Private Trips are all about.”

Backroads’ Most Popular 2022 Private Trips:

• A Taste of Camino de Santiago Walking & Hiking Tour
• Argentina’s Patagonia Walking & Hiking Tour
• Burgundy Bike Tour
• California Wine Country Bike Tour
• Greece Multi-Adventure Tour
• Italy Bike Tours – Tuscany, Puglia, Umbria
• Portugal Bike Tour
• Provence Bike Tour
• Vietnam & Cambodia Bike Tour

For more information on taking over a regularly scheduled Backroads trip and making it private, visit here, or contact Guest Services at or call 800-462-2848.

About Backroads    

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. Guests join Backroads to bike, hike, paddle—and so much more—on expertly planned active adventures highlighting the unique character of each destination. The company offers multiple ways to go active: Bike, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventures tours; Active Ocean & River Cruises, Safari, Culinary and Snow Adventures; and easygoing Dolce Tempo trips. Backroads also offers Private Trips and Family Trips designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids age 17+) and Families with Adult Kids 20s & Beyond (one or more kids age 20+). Repeat guests and referrals from past guests make up many of the travelers that Backroads hosts each year in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.

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Backroads Media Contact     

Liz Einbinder     
liz_einbinder@backroads.com

510-292-0753

Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced the 2023 launch of a new Multi-Adventure Tour in Argentina’s Andes, exploring the renowned Mendoza Wine Country region. The itinerary – which includes biking, hiking, wine tasting and luxurious boutique lodging among lush vineyards in the shadow of the snow-covered Andes mountains – is the latest addition to the company’s offerings in Argentina’s Patagonia, where Backroads has been running trips since 1995. This trip joins the company’s long-standing active vacations in Peru’s Machu Picchu, Chile’s Lake District, Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands and Costa Rica’s beaches and jungles. Backroads is still accepting bookings for all these popular destinations for the 2022-2023 winter travel season.

Travelers of all abilities and interests will find many ways to actively explore Latin America with Backroads, including Biking, Walking & Hiking, Multi-Adventure and Easygoing “Dolce Tempo” Trips. In addition, families can choose from a full collection of active adventures designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids age 17+) and Families with Adult Kids 20s & Beyond (one or more kids age 20+).

Backroads trips in Latin America include:

• Argentina’s Patagonia Active Tours 
• Patagonia Walking & Hiking Tour
• Patagonia Lake District Multi-Adventure Tour
• New! Mendoza Wine Country Multi-Adventure Tour 
• New! Mexico’s Baja California Multi-Adventure Tour
• Belize & Guatemala Multi-Adventure Tour
• Chile Active Tours
• Chilean Lake District Bike Tour
• Chilean Lake District Walking & Hiking Tour
• Patagonia Fjords Walking & Hiking & Cruise Tour
• Colombia Walking & Hiking Tour
• Costa Rica Active Tours
• Costa Rica Bike Tour
• Costa Rica Multi-Adventure Tour
• Costa Rica Easygoing Multi-Adventure Tour
• Cuba Active Tours
• Cuba Bike Tour;
• Cuba Multi-Adventure Tour;
• Ecuador Active Tours
• Galápagos & Andes Multi-Adventure Tour
• Galápagos, Andes & Amazon River Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour
• Galápagos Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour
• Peru Active Tours
• Peru Multi-Adventure Tour
• Peru Easygoing Multi-Adventure Tour
• Peru Walking & Hiking Tour
• Peru Lodge-to-Lodge Trekking Tour

“Winter in the US means it’s summer in much of Latin America and there’s no better time to pack your bags and actively explore a region like Mendoza, or plan a trip to Peru, Chile or Ecuador, which are all perennial guest favorites,” said Backroads Founder and President Tom Hale. “For folks looking to beat the winter blues and experience a beautiful—and warmer—part of the world this holiday season, there’s a Backroads adventure that will fit the bill for every traveler.”

This year is shaping up to be Backroads’ biggest ever and early bookings for 2023 are very strong. To book a trip or for more information, visit backroads.com.

About Backroads     

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. Guests join Backroads to bike, paddle and so much more on active adventures expertly planned to highlight the unique character of the destination. The company offers Bike tours, Walking & Hiking trips and Multi-Adventure, small luxury-ship Active Ocean & River Cruises, easygoing Dolce Tempo, Private Trips and Family Trips designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids age 17+) and Families with Adult Kids 20s & Beyond (one or more kids age 20+). Repeat guests and referrals from past guests make up many of the travelers that Backroads hosts each year in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848. 

Backroads Media Contact       
Liz Einbinder       
liz_einbinder@backroads.com  
510-292-0753       

Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced a slate of new small-group adventure tours in Mexico’s Baja California, Vancouver and Washington’s San Juan Islands, the Carolinas, Santa Barbara Wine Country, Italy’s Dolomites to Lake Garda, Sardinia and more. With international COVID-19 restrictions lifted and pent-up wanderlust at an all-time high, families and friends are looking to make up for lost time by touring the world together in unique ways. Many are seeking to celebrate long-overdue reunions by exploring actively in the great outdoors. These groups, as well as solo travelers, are motivated more than ever to take that “trip of a lifetime,” and Backroads specializes in the distinctive accommodations, bucket-list destinations, authentic cultural experiences and outdoor adventure that people want right now. To meet the demand, the company has added itineraries and departures during the spring and fall seasons in many locations, including Europe.

Backroads is the only active travel company to segment trips for families with kids into three distinct age groups: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids age 17+) and Families with Adult Kids 20s & Beyond (one or more kids age 20+). In 2023 Backroads will launch new departures for families in Yosemite and Provence with additional locations to be announced later this summer. 

Backroads new trips for 2023 include: 

• Bike Tours in Puglia, Santa Barbara and Sardinia
• Multi-Adventure Tours in Baja California and the Carolinas
• Walking & Hiking Tours in the Dolomites & Lake Garda, and Vancouver & San Juan Islands
• Family Bike Tours in Provence for Families with Older Teens & 20s 

“We’re seeing huge post-pandemic demand for small-group adventure travel, especially among families,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “Next year we’re introducing more destinations, more age-segmented family trips, more departures, and have expanded when we run our trips to take advantage of good weather and fewer crowds in the spring and fall seasons.” 

Backroads will announce additional new 2023 trips later this summer. For the complete collection of just-released Backroads tours and for more information, visit Backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.  

About Backroads 

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company offers Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure tours, small luxury-ship Active Cruises, Dolce Tempo, Private Trips and Family Trips designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids age 17+) and Families with Adult Kids 20s & Beyond (one or more kids age 20+). Repeat guests and referrals from past guests make up 75% of the travelers that Backroads hosts each year in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.

Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced special activities to honor World Bicycle Day on June 3rd. These activities will include biking events at their global hubs to help raise money for World Bicycle Relief’s Pedal to Empower campaign. The company also announced a selection of bike tours as we conclude May’s National Bike Month. Since 1979, Backroads has hosted active cycling vacations across the globe that feature scenic beauty, world-renowned routes and authentic cultural experiences, as well as bike trips designed for families with kids in three distinct age groups. Last year, the company introduced Dolce Tempo, their new easygoing journeys that empower guests to explore destinations up close and in depth at a leisurely pace, with electric-assist bikes for everyone on bike tours and relaxed routes on walking and hiking trips. Backroads runs dedicated electric-assist biking trips in the Loire Valley of France, California Wine Country, Netherlands & Belgium, Tuscany and more. E-bikes are also available on trips in North America, Europe, and many other destinations worldwide.   

In addition to promoting biking around the world with active adventure vacations, Backroads has been giving back to World Bicycle Relief since 2016, an organization with the mission of leveraging bikes to help improve rural access to education, healthcare and livelihoods worldwide. This year on June 3rd, World Bicycle Day, Backroads staff in all its global offices (US, Canada, France) will pedal to raise money for World Bicycle Relief’s Pedal to Empower campaign and help them reach their “1 million kilometers ridden” goal. Backroads’ involvement with WBR complements efforts to promote and improve biking in communities where their guests live and visit.   

The following is a list of some of Backroads’ most popular, challenging, scenic, family-friendly and electric-assist bike (e-bike) tours. 

Most Scenic Bike Tours 

• California Wine Country 
• Columbia River Gorge & Willamette Valley
• Provence
• Switzerland

Challenging Bike Tours 

• Spain’s Andalucía 
• Mallorca 
• The Carolinas 
• Tuscany 

Family-Favorite Bike Trips 

• Brittany & Normandy 
• Dolomites 
• Netherlands & Belgium 
• Utah’s Bryce & Zion 

Bike Tours with a Cultural and Historical Emphasis  

• Cuba
• Germany to Austria
• Israel
• Japan
• Kentucky
• Thailand
• Vermont to Quebec

Dolce Tempo Easygoing E-bike Tours  

• California Wine Country
• Loire Valley
• Danube River Cruise
• Rhine River Cruise
• Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket

“Ever since my very first bike trip around the American West, I’ve known that there’s something special about traveling by bike,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “That 5,000 mile trip inspired me to create Backroads and share the authentic culture, beautiful landscapes and unforgettable adventures that come with traveling by bike. Active travel is the best way to explore, and I’m proud to work with World Bicycle Relief to get more people on bikes around the world for the betterment of their lives and communities.”    

For the complete collection of Backroads bike tours and for more information, visit Backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.

About Backroads    

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company offers Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure tours, small ship Active Cruises, Dolce Tempo, Private Trips and Family Trips designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids 17+) and Families with Adult Kids 20s & Beyond (one or more kids 20+). Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year—75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests— in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.               

Backroads Media Contact        

Liz Einbinder        
liz_einbinder@backroads.com   
510-292-0753

 
Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced its long-awaited return to New Zealand as the country reopens to tourism. The company also announced that it would resume its active adventure tours in other far-flung locations including Vietnam and Cambodia, Bali, India and Nepal with a fresh lineup of biking, hiking and multi-adventure journeys. From hiking in Nepal and on New Zealand’s South Island to biking in Vietnam & Cambodia and multi-adventuring in India and Bali, Backroads is ready to host guests on unforgettable active journeys around the globe this year. 

Backroads’ spring season is off to a tremendous start in Europe, and guests are reporting that it feels wonderful to be back in Europe. “It was the best Backroads trip we’ve been on yet,” said a guest who traveled on the Backroads Provence to the French Riviera Bike Tour this spring. Another guest, who traveled on the Netherlands & Belgium Bike Tour, called the trip a “life-changing adventure.” With such positive feedback coming in about international travel with Backroads, the company is excited to return to exploring even further afield in the summer and beyond. 

Backroads Trips in Newly Reopened Destinations 

• Bali Multi-Adventure Tour 
• India Multi-Adventure Tour  
• Nepal Lodge-To-Lodge Trekking Tour  
• New Zealand Multi-Adventure Tour 
• New Zealand Walking & Hiking Tour 
• Vietnam & Cambodia Bike Tour 
• Vietnam & Cambodia Walking & Hiking Tour 

“I’ve just returned from my first European bike trip since the pandemic began and I was thrilled to be back out on the road doing what I love to do most—traveling actively in the great outdoors,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “With more countries opening their doors to travelers every month, now is the time to book adventure travel. We are expecting Backroads to greet more guests in 2022 than ever before with space on most trips filling up quickly.” 

For the complete collection of Backroads trips and for more information, visit Backroads.com or call 800-462-2848. 

About Backroads  

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company offers biking, walking & hiking and multi-adventure tours, small ship active cruises, Dolce Tempo, private trips and family trips designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids 17+) and Families with Adult Kids 20s & Beyond (one or more kids 20+).  Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year—75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests— in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.       

Backroads Media Contact
Liz Einbinder
liz_einbinder@backroads.com 
510-292-0753       

Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced their top travel picks for family adventure tours this summer. From perennial family favorites like Alaska, Croatia, Iceland, Italy, France and Spain to the US National Parks, Backroads runs trips in 45 countries across the globe. Backroads is the only company to offer family trips designed for three distinct age groups—Teens & Kids (typically 9-16), Older Teens & 20s (17+) and 20s & Beyond (adult kids in their 20s)—so that kids and parents can spend quality time together and independently enjoy the company of their peers. 

With over 30 years of experience creating and leading trips for families, Backroads offers Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure Tours around the world. Taking the hassle out of trip planning, Backroads runs trips that include fun activities and rich cultural experiences tailored to adults and kids. In South Africa, Tanzania, or Ecuador's Galápagos, families can witness incredible wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether hiking in a national park, sea kayaking along the Dalmatian Coast, learning to surf in Spain's Basque Country or riding horseback in Iceland, on Backroads trips, parents and kids of all ages experience one-of-a-kind adventures. Here's a sampling of the Backroads Family Trip collection: 

2022 New Trips for Families include:  

• Bali Multi-Adventure Tour
• Bend Oregon & the Cascades Multi-Adventure Tour
• Bhutan Multi-Adventure Tour
• Great Smoky Mountains Multi-Adventure Tour
• Italy's Puglia to Basilicata Bike Tour
• Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills Multi-Adventure Tour
• Peru Lodge-to-Lodge Trekking Tour
• Vietnam & Cambodia Bike Tour

Active Ocean & River Cruises include: 

• Danube River Cruise Bike Tour
• Danube River Cruise Full Ship Celebration Bike Tour
• Portugal’s Douro River Cruise Bike Tour
• Rhine River Cruise Full Ship Celebration Bike Tour
• Tahiti Multi-Adventure Tour
• Venice to Croatia Bike Tour
   

Family Favorites include: 

• Brittany & Normandy Bike Tour
• Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon Multi-Adventure Tour
• California’s Yosemite Multi-Adventure Tour
• Canadian Rockies Bike Tour
• Costa Rica Multi-Adventure Tour
• Iceland Multi-Adventure Tour
• Portugal Multi-Adventure Tour
• Switzerland Multi-Adventure Tour

“There is something very special about summer family vacations,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “Last year families mainly stayed in the US due to Covid uncertainty, but this year we're seeing families tilt back to international travel in a huge way. Because we’re anticipating this summer to be our biggest travel season yet, now’s the best time to lock in your vacation plans while space is still available.”

For the complete collection of Backroads Family Trips and for more information, visit Backroads.com or call 800-462-2848. 

About Backroads  

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company offers biking, walking & hiking and multi-adventure tours, small ship active cruises, Dolce Tempo, private trips and family getaways (parents with kids) designed for three distinct age groups: Teens & Kids (typically 9-16), Older Teens & 20s (17+) and 20s & Beyond (adult kids through their late 20s). Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year—75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests— in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.           

Backroads Media Contact      

Liz Einbinder 
liz_einbinder@backroads.com
510-292-0753       

AmaWaterways and Backroads—together leaders in active river cruising—today announced an exciting lineup of more than 150 Bordeaux, Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine departures in 2022 and 2023, including nine full-ship charters and select sailings on board AmaWaterways’ most innovative new ship AmaMagna. Marking the seventh year of their collaboration, Backroads will also bring their best-in-class adventure tours to Dutch & Belgian waterways with the Backroads River Cruise Bike Trip. Three departures are slated for April 2023, where guests can enjoy the region’s famed tulips, windmills and cuisine as they sail and cycle between Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Bruges, Belgium. 

In 2015, AmaWaterways and Backroads developed the ultimate active travel river cruising experience – adventuring through Europe’s most captivating destinations with Backroads’ immersive, meticulously planned biking and hiking tours, then ending the day in the comfort and luxury of an AmaWaterways river ship. Backroads’ thoughtful trip design and unique routes take guests away from busy port and tourist destinations to explore the best biking in the region and immerse them in the local culture. 

On every Backroads trip, expert Trip Leaders and attentive support with multiple vans allow for greater flexibility and more route options each day. With trips in over 50 countries and more than 40 years of experience running exceptional adventures, Backroads offers unmatched expertise in the world of active travel. 

2022-2023 river cruise trips available through the AmaWaterways and Backroads partnership include: 

Recommended For Couples, Friends & Solos 

• Bordeaux River Cruise Bike Tour (space available on 2023 sailings) 
• Dutch & Belgian Waterways River Cruise Bike Tour (sailing beginning in 2023) 
• Rhine River Cruise Easygoing E-bike Tour - Dolce Tempo 

Recommended For Families 

• Danube River Cruise Family Bike Tour – 20s & Beyond 
• Portugal's Douro River Cruise Family Bike Tour – 20s & Beyond | Older Teens & 20s 
• Rhine River Cruise Family Bike Tour – 20s & Beyond | Teens & Kids 

Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour River Cruises 

• Danube River Cruise Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour 
• Portugal's Douro River Cruise Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour 
• Rhine River Cruise Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour 

Additionally, Backroads’ new Dolce Tempo Easygoing E-bike River Cruise on the Rhine River is for travelers new to active travel, or those who want to explore the world actively and at a more leisurely pace. Two departures are scheduled for September 2022 with another three planned for 2023. 

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Backroads and introduce these exciting new itineraries for biking enthusiasts,” said Gary Murphy, AmaWaterways Co-Owner and Senior Vice President of Sales. “The unique aspect of bringing Backroads enhanced active biking experiences onboard our river cruise ships is that companions who may not wish to participate in the daily biking program with Backroads can still have a wonderful vacation experience by participating in AmaWaterways’ many escorted cultural or culinary tours that are included each day. These new itineraries are the perfect opportunity for travelers to explore the beautiful landscapes of Europe on a bicycle, and we look forward to welcoming guests onboard for these unforgettable trips.” 

“Our active river cruises have been a guest favorite ever since we launched our first departure with AmaWaterways in 2015,” said Backroads Founder & President, Tom Hale. “The opportunity to only unpack once while relaxing in comfort aboard such a luxurious ship is the perfect way to explore multiple countries, get immersed in the beautiful back roads and trails of Europe, and enjoy the truly impressive accommodations and hospitality of AmaWaterways. Our new Dutch & Belgian Waterways tour is the perfect trip for anyone who loves biking, tulips or Belgian beer.” 

While aboard, Backroads participants and their companions enjoy unique signature twin-balconies in most staterooms, as well as connecting and triple occupancy staterooms that are ideal for the growing multi-generational travel group markets. Additional amenities include a daily “Sip & Sail” complimentary cocktail hour, heated sun deck pools with swim-up bar, hair and massage salons, fitness centers and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ships. 

For more information and to book trips, visit backroads.com. 

About AmaWaterways 

Family-owned and -operated for more than 19 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 26 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s Danube, Douro, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Saône (2021), Seine, Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, and Dutch and Belgian Waterways; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2023). Co-founded and led by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, the company is renowned for its extraordinarily warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; its wellness activities including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options; and its award-winning, locally sourced cuisine with complimentary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, a Sun Deck walking track with heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation highlighted with the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna, and the introduction of the history-making Seven River Journey itineraries. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families as well as group and charter options. 

With the highest-rated ships in Europe according to the third edition of Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe & the USA, AmaWaterways has received countless honors and accolades including Travel + Leisure’s 2020 World’s Best Award for “Best River Cruise Line” and Departures’ 2020 Legend Award for “Best Luxury Cruising Experiences This Year.” In addition, 20 ships in AmaWaterways’ European fleet have received the prestigious Green Award certification for industry-leading safety, quality and environmental performance. 

About Backroads 

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company offers biking, walking & hiking and multi-adventure tours, small ship active cruises, Dolce Tempo, private trips and family getaways (parents with kids) designed for three distinct age groups: Teens & Kids (typically 9-16), Older Teens & 20s (17+) and 20s & Beyond (adult kids through their late 20s). Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year—75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests— in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.     

Backroads Media Contact     
Liz Einbinder  |  liz_einbinder@backroads.com  |  510-292-0753      

AmaWaterways Media Contact 

Monica Kelly  |  AmaPR@hemsworthcommunications.com  |  954-716-7614

Backroads, the leader in small group active travel tours, today announced their top 10 romantic trips ahead of the Valentine’s Day holiday. Since 1979, Backroads has taken guests on active vacations—biking, walking & hiking, multi-adventure, small ship active cruises and easygoing Dolce Tempo tours—in destinations across the globe to celebrate romantic milestones including anniversaries, honeymoons and surprise engagements. Known for picturesque scenery, enchanting restaurants, secluded beaches and joie de vivre, these destinations—including the Amalfi Coast, California Wine Country, Hawaii, Bordeaux, Provence, Crete and Santorini—top the list of Backroads’ most romantic getaways.  

Travel and romance go together like wine and cheese, and whether it’s a celebratory kiss on a mountain summit or a post-ride walk along a white-sand beach, these 10 trips are sure to ignite a spark: 

• Bordeaux & Dordogne Bike Tour  
• California Wine Country Bike Tour 
• Chile Patagonia & Fjords Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour  
• Hawaii’s Big Island Multi-Adventure Tour  
• Iceland Walking & Hiking Tour 
• Italy’s Amalfi Coast Walking & Hiking Tour  
• Italy’s Lake Como & Bellagio Walking & Hiking Tour  
• Portugal Walking & Hiking Tour  
• Provence to the French Riviera Bike Tour  
• Santorini & Crete Multi-Adventure Tour  

“There’s something very special about celebrating a romantic milestone on an active vacation in a beautiful location,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder and President. “At Backroads, we're not just passionate about sharing the joy of active travel, but also committed to helping couples celebrate memorable occasions in the best way possible. Whether it’s biking in Provence, hiking in Greece or wine tasting in the Napa Valley, there’s a special romance to traveling the world together, and we love sharing those moments with our guests.”  

“For me, Backroads and romance go hand in hand,” said Rue Mapp, Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro. “I’ve loved the beautiful experiences I’ve had on Backroads trips, but the most memorable one was when my longtime boyfriend Darin asked me to marry him on our recent Savannah to Charleston Multi-Adventure Trip. After his proposal, the Trip Leaders and guests helped us celebrate our love. Getting engaged on a Backroads trip will always mean something special to me.” 

The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift 
This Valentine’s Day, for shoppers looking to surprise a loved one with a thoughtful present, consider giving the gift of quality time together with a Backroads gift card (available in all denominations). Couples can also easily create accounts with the Backroads Honeymoon Registry and wedding guests can give the gift of adventure by contributing financially to an experience the newlyweds will never forget. Contributors to the Backroads Honeymoon Registry receive a gift card to present to the wedding couple. To set up a Honeymoon Registry or purchase a gift card, please contact 800-462-2848. 

About Backroads       
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company offers biking, walking & hiking and multi-adventure tours, small ship active cruises, Dolce Tempo, private trips and family getaways (parents with kids) designed for three distinct age groups: Teens & Kids (typically 9-16), Older Teens & 20s (17+) and 20s & Beyond (adult kids through their late 20s). Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year—75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests—in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.     

––     

Backroads Media Contact 
Liz Einbinder       
liz_einbinder@backroads.com       
510-292-0753        

Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced their forecast for top travel destinations in 2022 based on advance bookings and inquiries. Europe is at the top of many travelers’ lists next year, with huge demand for trips in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Greece and Iceland. Many newcomers to active travel are booking adventures already, especially easygoing Dolce Tempo tours, and e-bikes are continuing to become more popular with guests of all ages. Backroads is anticipating that most of their North American trips will sell out once again, in line with the 2021 trend of strong interest in US National Parks and luxurious domestic adventures. As this eventful year comes to a close, Backroads is finishing strong and poised to have their biggest year ever in 2022.   

Backroads’ 2021 year-end highlights include:

• Backroads had its best year of all time in the US in 2021. Domestic bookings were up 45% compared to 2019, the last pre-pandemic benchmark year, and virtually all US departures sold out.  
• The number of first-time travelers with Backroads nearly doubled over 2019, as people incorporated their newfound passions for walking, hiking and biking into their vacations.
• Top-selling trips in 2021 included Canyonlands, Yellowstone, Maine, San Juan Islands, Alaska, California Wine Country, Hawaii, Santa Barbara & Ojai, Crater Lake, Vermont and Yosemite in the US, and Croatia, Iceland, Greece, France, Portugal and Spain in Europe.  
• Luxury experiences close to home saw a surge in popularity. Backroads’ new Aspen tour (which includes three nights at the iconic Hotel Jerome) sold out immediately, as did the company’s Newfoundland adventure, which features lodging at the famed Fogo Island Inn, and its California Wine Country Walking trip with lodging at luxurious hideaways Montage and Solage. 
• Popular with travelers around the world were Backroads’ Dolce Tempo tours. These easygoing walking, multi-adventure and e-biking trips completely sold out in 2021 and are booking quickly in 2022. 
• Adventure travel featuring invigorating activity in wide-open, natural spaces was hugely popular with travelers of all types, including families, couples and solo travelers. 

Based on advance guest booking and inquiries, Backroads is anticipating the following trends for 2022: 

• More than 30% of guests on multi-adventure and biking trips will opt for e-bikes, which are custom-built for Backroads and included in the trip price. 
• Europe will continue to see pent-up demand manifesting in sky-high bookings, with all the European countries that opened early and were popular in 2021 seeing strong traveler interest. Top-selling countries include Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Greece and Iceland. 
• North America, which had its biggest year ever in 2021, will continue to be popular with travelers looking to stick close to home. 
• US National Park trips will again completely sell out. 
• Demand for travel in all parts of Canada from Banff to Newfoundland is skyrocketing.  
• Family travel is up across all family segments: Teens & Kids, Older Teens & 20s and 20s & Beyond. 
• Bookings for easygoing Dolce Tempo adventures will maintain their threefold increase compared to 2021, as travelers of all fitness levels look to spend active time outdoors. 
• Active River Cruises will book up quickly with Bordeaux, Danube and Portugal’s Douro leading the way. 
• Working in active, outdoor travel continues to appeal, with more than 450 Backroads Trip Leaders and Field Staff returning next season for a 90% retention rate. The company expects to hire close to another 350 additional Trip Leaders from 6,000 applicants for jobs in 2022.

“If there’s one thing we’ve learned during our two years of operating trips during the pandemic, it’s that things change rapidly,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder and President. “Spring, summer, and fall are a long time away when it comes to COVID-19. We’re monitoring government responses to the latest surge and keeping a close eye on border reopenings and local policies.” 

“Regardless of what happens this winter, 2022 is shaping up to be an incredible year for adventure travel. Based on what we saw in the summer 2021 season, we expect travel in Europe to come back strong, with France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Croatia topping the list of travelers everywhere,” said Hale. “People are eager to get back out exploring, and active travel is the way they want to go. Whether it’s on a bike or an e-bike, hiking or walking, with family, friends or solo, we anticipate next year to be Backroads’ biggest year ever.”   

For more Backroads information, visit backroads.com  

About Backroads      
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company offers biking, walking & hiking and multi-adventure tours, small ship active cruises, private trips and family trips designed for three distinct age groups: Teens & Kids (typically 9-16), Older Teens & 20s (17+) and 20s & Beyond (adult kids through their late 20s). Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year—75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests—in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com, or call 800-462-2848.    

Backroads Media Contact      

• Liz Einbinder      
• liz_einbinder@backroads.com      
• 510-292-0753       

   
Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced a lineup of brand-new trips in 2022 for a variety of travelers. With these additional departures, the company has added even more options to their exciting array of trips announced this fall, including biking in Switzerland, multiple new adventures in Portugal and easygoing walking in Morocco. With trips in more than 50 countries, and a demonstrated track record of successfully running active adventures since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Backroads is projected to welcome a record-breaking number of guests on trips in Europe and beyond in 2022. Travelers next year will appreciate Backroads’ emphasis on wide-open spaces and outdoor activities during these unusual times, as well as the flexibility to choose from thousands of trips for families, private groups, couples, friends and solos around the world. 

Joining a long list of new 2022 trips and destinations announced previously, Backroads has added the following new departures:  

New Biking and Multi-Adventure Trips  

• Portugal Multi-Adventure Tour   
• Switzerland Biking Tour 

New Easygoing Dolce Tempo Trips  

• Brittany & Normandy Multi-Adventure Tour 
• Portugal Multi-Adventure Tour   
• California Wine Country E-Bike Tour 
• Morocco Walking Tour 

New Family Trips (kids with adults) 

• Portugal Family Multi-Adventure Tour – 20s & Beyond | Older Teens & 20s | Teens & Kids 
• Thailand Family Multi-Adventure Tour – Teens & Kids 

“We know that people are eager to get back out there and enjoy an active adventure next year,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale, “and our Trip Development team is working hard to create exciting and authentic new offerings for all types of travelers, including families, those new to adventure travel, people looking for challenging activities, or folks looking to slow down and explore at a leisurely pace.” 

One source of the increased demand is Backroads’ popular new Dolce Tempo segment, which, since its launch in 2020, has opened up the world of active travel to a new group of people. Featuring dedicated e-bike adventures on all Dolce Tempo bike tours and relaxed routes on walking and multi-adventure tours. Dolce Tempo trips were designed for travelers who want to enjoy a taste of the active experience along with plenty of flexibility to spend time exploring at a slower pace, lounging at luxurious hotels, discovering fascinating local culture and more. With many people discovering the pleasures of an active lifestyle this year, it’s no surprise Backroads is seeing a surge in newcomers interested in incorporating incredible biking and walking adventures into their vacations. See all Dolce Tempo trips here.  

For more information and to book trips, visit backroads.com.       

About Backroads      
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company offers biking, walking & hiking and multi-adventure tours, small ship active cruises, private trips and family trips designed for three distinct age groups: Teens & Kids (typically 9-16), Older Teens & 20s (17+) and 20s & Beyond (adult kids through their late 20s). Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year—75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests—in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com, or call 800-462-2848.    

Backroads Media Contact     

• Liz Einbinder     
• liz_einbinder@backroads.com     
• 510-292-0753      

Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced personalized trip recommendations for loved ones who want to give the gift of experiences, not things, this holiday season. From Bourbon lovers to history buffs, serious cyclists to foodies and families, every type of traveler can find something to love in Backroads’ diverse catalog of Biking, Walking & Hiking, Multi-Adventure, Family, easygoing Dolce Tempo and Private Adventures in more than 50 countries across six continents.  

To help holiday shoppers give the gift of travel this season, Backroads has compiled a list of unique trip recommendations to assist in pairing travelers with their perfect adventure.   

The History Buff – Brittany & Normandy Bike Tour, Berlin to Prague Bike Tour  

The Wine Enthusiast – California Wine Country Bike Tour, Tuscany Bike Tour, Cinque Terre & Tuscany Walking & Hiking Tour, Loire Valley Bike Tour   

The Easygoing Explorer– Santa Barbara to Ojai Easygoing E-bike Tour, Switzerland Easygoing Multi-Adventure Tour; Croatia to Montenegro Easygoing Multi-Adventure Tour 

The Serious Cyclist – Spain’s Mallorca Bike Tour, Texas Bike Tour   

The Avid Hiker – Dolomites Hut-to Hut Hiking Tour, Peru Lodge-to-Lodge Trekking Tour  

The Snow Adventurer – Canadian Rockies Snow Adventure Tour  

The Spiritual Traveler – A Taste of Camino de Santiago Walking & Hiking Tour, Bhutan Walking & Hiking Tour  

The Foodie – Provence Active Culinary Walking Tour, Tuscany Active Culinary Walking Tour  

The Family Vacationer – Yellowstone & Tetons Multi-Adventure Tour, Maine’s Acadia Family Multi-Adventure Tour, Iceland Family Walking & Hiking Tour    

The Cruiser – Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Mekong River Cruise Bike Tour, Rhine River Cruise Bike Tour, Danube River Cruise Full Ship Celebration  

The Über-Luxury Traveler – Aspen's Glacial Valleys Bike Tour, Italy’s Amalfi Coast Walking & Hiking Tour   

The Bourbon Lover - Kentucky Bike Tour  

The Far-Flung Explorer – Oman Walking & Hiking Tour 

For more inspiration, explore all of Backroads’ Top 10 Lists including trips for wine lovers, photographers, beach lovers, stargazers, family and more, visit here.  

“The holiday season is a time of celebration with friends and family, and also an excellent opportunity to plan your next great adventure together,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “Experiences make the best holiday presents, especially as the world starts reopening to travel.  This holiday season, think about giving your loved ones the gift of lifelong memories on a journey with Backroads.”

There is no commitment to sign up for a Backroads trip and the company offers flexible cancellation plans. For information about purchasing a Backroads gift certificate in any denomination, call 1-800-462-2848 or visit: www.backroads.com/gift-cards 

About Backroads      
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company offers biking, walking & hiking and multi-adventure tours, small ship active cruises, private trips and family trips designed for three distinct age groups: Teens & Kids (typically 9-16), Older Teens & 20s (17+) and 20s & Beyond (adult kids through their late 20s). Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year—75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests—in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com, or call 800-462-2848.    

Backroads Media Contact     

• Liz Einbinder     
• liz_einbinder@backroads.com     
• 510-292-0753      

Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced 13 new trips launching in North America in 2022, including Bryce & Capitol Reef hiking and biking adventures, a new Glacier to Banff Bike Tour and family offerings in the Great Smoky Mountains, Oregon’s Bend to the Cascades and more. From California to Costa Rica, the company has also expanded their popular Dolce Tempo segment with new e-biking, walking and multi-adventure trips to meet demand. Introduced in 2019, Backroads’ Dolce Tempo tours offer travelers the opportunity to explore the world actively while setting their own easygoing pace as they discover a destination up close and in depth. 

This summer Backroads also celebrated 30 years of Walking & Hiking adventures around the world. First launched in 1991 with a hiking trip to England’s Cotswolds, the company now offers Walking & Hiking trips in more than 40 countries, including brand-new itineraries in 2022 in Chile, Namibia, Oman and Tuscany.  

Joining a long list of new 2022 trips and destinations announced previously, Backroads has added the following new departures: 

New Dolce Tempo Trips 

• Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula Walking Tour 
• Canyonlands Walking Tour 
• Champagne/Alsace Easygoing E-bike Tour 
• Costa Rica Multi-Adventure Tour  
• Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket Easygoing E-bike Tour 
• Rhine River Cruise Easygoing E-bike Tour 
• Santa Barbara to Ojai Easygoing E-bike Tour 

New Biking, Walking & Multi-Adventure Trips 

• Bend Oregon & the Cascades Family Multi-Adventure Tour - Teens & Kids 
• Bryce & Capitol Reef Multi-Adventure Tour; and Walking & Hiking Tour  
• Glacier to Banff Bike Tour 
• Great Smoky Mountains Family Multi-Adventure Tour - Teens & Kids 
• Mount Rushmore & the Black Hills Family Multi-Adventure Tour – 4-Day Getaway - Teens & Kids 

“Our trip development team has been hard at work creating new trips for every type of traveler,” said Backroads Founder & President, Tom Hale. “If we’ve learned one thing from this global pandemic, it’s that people want to stay active and explore. We’re seeing huge demand for active travel in 2022, both domestically and internationally. From Mt. Rushmore to the Rhine River, we’re rolling out some great new trips next year.” 

For more information and to book trips, visit backroads.com.      

About Backroads     
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company offers biking, walking & hiking and multi-adventure tours, small ship active cruises, private trips and family trips designed for three distinct age groups: Teens & Kids (typically 9-16), Older Teens & 20s (17+) and 20s & Beyond (adult kids through their late 20s). Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year—75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests—in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com, or call 800-462-2848.   

Backroads Media Contact    

• Liz Einbinder    
• liz_einbinder@backroads.com    
• 510-292-0753     

Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced that the company is experiencing a boom with record sales slated for 2022, along with a strong rebound for US and European travel in 2021. Business is up more than 100 percent when comparing 2022 to 2019 numbers, the last full year of travel before the global pandemic. In response to the demand, Backroads has increased office staff by 43 percent since January for a total of 160 global office employees. Among the new team members is Avery Hale, the daughter of Founder and President Tom Hale, who has recently joined the family business as Director of Sales. In this role, Avery leads a 45-person department that manages customer service and guest bookings. Prior to joining Backroads, Avery was Regional Director of Sales at EVERFI, an education technology company based in Washington DC. As a past guest on 29 trips herself, she brings a deep familiarity with Backroads’ values and is the same age that her father was when he started Backroads in 1979.

Backroads office staff have returned to work at the corporate headquarters in Berkeley, along with more than 200 field staff running trips across the United States in the national parks, California Wine Country, Oregon, Maine, Vermont and more. Internationally, the company made its return to Europe this summer with trips in Iceland, followed by Croatia, Greece and France. Backroads will be running trips in over a dozen European countries including Italy, Slovenia, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland this summer and fall and has added additional departures to meet demand. Holiday travel is also proving to be extremely popular, with guests booking trips in Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rica, and in early 2022 Chile and Argentina are shaping up to be in-demand destinations as well.

“It’s so refreshing to see our wonderful Backroads staff back together working in our offices and helping guests plan their next vacation. After a tough year, we’ve turned the page and are looking forward to an amazing 2022,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder and President. “I’m thrilled to welcome my daughter Avery to the family business. Backroads has been part of her DNA since before she could walk, and she has seen the company evolve into the leader in adventure travel it is today. I’m sure I’ll learn a thing or two from her business acumen and sharp decision-making, and I’m looking forward to seeing where she leads Backroads in the coming months and years.”

In 2022, Backroads expects to take tens of thousands of guests on vacation in more than 60 countries across the globe. Europe is poised to be the most popular travel destination next year followed by Central and South America and the US.For more information and to book trips go to www.backroads.com.

Backroads also just announced a new guest travel protection plan with Arch RoamRight. The new plan offered through Arch RoamRight can be purchased up until the day before departure (restrictions apply) and may protect up to 100% of a guest’s vacation investment when unforeseen covered issues arise, a feature that’s particularly helpful when planning travel during these changing times.

About Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company offers biking, walking & hiking and multi-adventure tours, small ship active cruises, private trips and family trips designed for three distinct age groups: Teens & Kids (typically 9-16), Older Teens & 20s (17+) and 20s & Beyond (adult kids through their late 20s). Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year—75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests—in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com, or call 800-462-2848.

Backroads Media Contact

• Liz Einbinder/strong>
• liz_einbinder@backroads.com
• 510-292-0753

Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced new trips launching across the globe in 2022. This sweeping new offering includes adventures from Bali to the Pyrenees featuring incredible new destinations like Oman, Chile and Italy’s Gran Paradiso to Matterhorn. The company is also launching a Rhine Full Ship Celebration River Cruise Bike Tour as well as a new Active Safari adventure that visits Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe for an opportunity to get up close and personal with the dunes, waterfalls and wildlife of Africa.

Thousands of new departures have been added to Backroads’ lineup of trips that span 60 countries for the active adventure traveler. The offering includes numerous Dolce Tempo trips, an easygoing option for guests looking for opportunities to get outside and enjoy hiking, e-biking and multi-adventuring at a more relaxed pace. All 2022 trips are available for booking now.

Backroads’ New 2022 Trips Include:

• Bali Multi-Adventure Tour
• Chile Patagonia & Fjords Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour
• French Basque Country Walking & Hiking Tour
• Italy’s Gran Paradiso to Matterhorn Walking & Hiking Tour
• Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe Active Safari
• Netherlands & Belgium Walking & Hiking Tour
• Oman Walking & Hiking Tour
• Provence to French Riviera Multi-Adventure Tour
• Rhine River Cruise Full Ship Celebration Bike Tour
• Tuscany by the Sea Walking & Hiking Tour

“There’s an incredible amount of pent-up demand out there, and we’re seeing unprecedented interest in active travel for both this year and next,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder and President. “We’re excited to return to doing what we love most: exploring the world actively. Thanks to the hard work of our trip development team, we’re diving back into international travel better than ever, with unbelievable new trips in destinations from Oman to Namibia.”

Backroads Dolce Tempo trips are a new easygoing offering for travelers who want to experience the magic of active travel at a relaxed, flexible pace. These tours are a new guest favorite and nearly all the 2021 departures are already sold out. As the segment continues to grow in popularity, Backroads announced more than 100 new Dolce Tempo departures in 2022 including trips in the Canadian Rockies, Sweden to Denmark, England’s& Cotswolds, Portugal, as well as a Danube River Cruise E-bike Tour and new departures around the US. See all Dolce Tempo trips here.

In addition to hundreds of new departures, Backroads is launching many new family trips including 20s & Beyond and Older Teens & 20s itineraries. For more information and to book trips go to www.backroads.com.

About Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company offers biking, walking & hiking and multi-adventure tours, small ship active cruises, private trips and family trips designed for three distinct age groups: Teens & Kids (typically 9-16), Older Teens & 20s (17+) and 20s & Beyond (adult kids in their 20s). Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year—75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests—in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com. Or call 800-462-2848 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m to 2 p.m., Pacific time.

Backroads Media Contact

• Liz Einbinder
• liz_einbinder@backroads.com
• 510-292-2753

Berkeley, CA – Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced additional departures surging demand for active North American adventures during the shoulder season months of April, May and October. The company also has seen increased booking interest for the new Dolce Tempo segment, an easygoing active option for guests looking for opportunities to get outside and enjoy hiking, biking and multi-adventuring at a more relaxed pace.

High-season travel typically runs from late May through early September, coinciding with warmer weather and school vacations. With enthusiasm for travel growing along with positive vaccine news and more, Backroads is seeing a trend of bookings well into autumn. To accommodate the increased demand, Backroads has added numerous departures to popular regions including:

• Alaska’s Kenai Multi-Adventure Tour
• Alaska Walking & Hiking Tour
• California’s Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Walking & Hiking Tour
• Capitol Reef Multi-Adventure and Walking & Hiking Tours
• Carolinas Bike Tour
• Columbia River Gorge & Willamette Valley Bike Tour
• Hudson Valley Bike Tour
• Kentucky Bike Tour
• Maine Walking & Hiking Tour
• San Juan Islands Bike Tour
• Santa Fe & Taos Bike Tour
• Texas Bike Tour Weekend Getaway
• Wine Country Walking & Hiking Tour

“The second half of 2021 is shaping up to be a very good time to travel,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder and President. “Demand for our Dolce Tempo trips, national park trips and anything in North America is so high that we’ve scheduled departures into late fall to keep up with the interest. I love traveling in shoulder season because there are often fewer crowds, which gives us even more space to explore actively.”

One source of the increased demand is Backroads’ popular new Dolce Tempo segment, which opens up the world of active travel to a whole new group of people. Featuring dedicated e-bike adventures and relaxed routes on walking and multi-adventure tours, these new trips have been a success with travelers who want to enjoy a taste of the active experience along with plenty of flexibility to spend time lounging at luxurious hotels, discovering fascinating local culture, and more. With many people discovering the pleasures of an active lifestyle this year, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing a surge in newcomers interested in incorporating incredible biking and hiking adventures into their vacations. See all Dolce Tempo trips here.

In addition to these new extended travel season departures, find more information on all Backroads trips including trips departing soon with space still available at backroads.com.   

About Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years.The company runs biking, walking & hiking, multi-adventure, family, private and active ocean & river cruise trips in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests. For more information, please visit backroads.com. Or call 800-462-2848 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m to 2 p.m., Pacific time.

Backroads Media Contact  

• Liz Einbinder  
• liz_einbinder@backroads.com  
• 510-292-2753 

Berkeley, CA – Backroads, the leader in active travel, in conjunction with Outdoor Afro, the nation’s foremost network for celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature, today announced their new Historic Underground Railroad Multi-Adventure Tour in Georgia and South Carolina. Launched in celebration of Black History Month, this new one-of-a-kind journey offers the opportunity to travel deep into the Black history and culture of the Southeast, exploring our nation’s past while hiking, biking and kayaking through the lush landscapes surrounding Savannah and Charleston. 

This new Backroads tour is a journey into our country’s past, from exploring landscapes once crossed by the historic Underground Railroad to taking guided walks focused on the history of people in the coastal cities of Savannah and Charleston; learning about the Gullah culture through storytelling and song at a Lowcountry boil; visiting the Penn Center, one of the first schools for formerly enslaved people; paddling the waterways of the ACE Basin, once home to dozens of rice plantations; and discovering the marshy channels of the Combahee River, where Harriet Tubman once guided a regiment of Union soldiers. The tour will also visit the Magnolia Plantation, where guests will learn about the experience of Black people from slavery to Reconstruction and into the 1920s and the era of Civil Rights.

“I was fortunate enough to take a similar adventure with Backroads, which inspired this trip,” said Rue Mapp Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro. “One of the best parts was the deep knowledge and information that I was exposed to; much of the history was unexpected and I was most fascinated by the traditions of the Gullah people of the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. As a Black-American woman, I appreciated how the Black history of the region was presented in triumph and joy as opposed to through the lens of pain and suffering. The history and lore was such an immersive experience for me, and I am beyond excited to make this trip available to the Outdoor Afro community.”

“I can’t think of a better way to learn about American history than to see it up close and actively,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder and President. “We’ve been supporters of Outdoor Afro for many years and believe in their mission of expanding access to nature among the Black community. We were thrilled to work with Rue Mapp and her staff to create this new trip and look forward to bringing history to life when the trip launches in October.”  

The tour was created in conjunction with Outdoor Afro regional leaders who live and work in the South Carolina and Georgia areas. The Backroads Historic Underground Railroad Multi-Adventure tour will run October 3-7, 2021.

About Outdoor Afro 
Outdoor Afro has become the nation’s leading, cutting-edge network that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization with leadership networks around the country. With more than 80 leaders in 42 cities nationwide, Outdoor Afro is changing the face of conservation by connecting thousands of people to outdoor experiences.  

About Backroads  
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com. Or call 800-462-2848 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pacific time.  

Backroads Media Contact  

• Liz Einbinder  
• liz_einbinder@backroads.com  
• 510-292-2753 

  
Berkeley, CA – Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced the launch of five new premiere and unique North American adventure tours to destinations across the US and Canada. The new itineraries – in Newfoundland, Vancouver Island, the Canadian Rockies, Yellowstone & Tetons and Aspen – take guests out west to the beaches and rainforest of British Columbia, as far east as a traveler can go on the Atlantic coast to Fogo Island, and from sea level to the top of giant peaks in Colorado, Wyoming and Alberta. These new destinations feature award-winning Premiere hotels that are among the best in North America.

The new trips are incredible experiences closer to home without long-haul flights required. Each North American trip is unique, bringing small groups to less-traveled destinations with Backroads’ unparalleled comfort and trip design. The bucket-list lodging includes: Fogo Island Inn, Fishers’ Loft Inn, Long Beach Lodge Resort, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Bobbie Burns Lodge and Bugaboo Lodge, Hotel Jerome, Kimpton Armory Hotel, Sage Lodge and Hotel Jackson.

“We’ve heard from our guests how much they’ve enjoyed staying at some of the best hotels on the planet while traveling with Backroads to other continents,” said Tom Hale, Backroads President and Founder. “These new North American trips are in a league of their own, with adventurous activities and amazing hotels that reflect the character and style of their regions.”

Backroads New North America Trips – Late-Breaking Launches:

Newfoundland Walking & Hiking Tour
This region on the easternmost edge of North America is as beautiful and welcoming as it is wild and remote, with breaching whales, dramatic cliffs, flourishing wildflowers and quaint, colorful villages all giving it the feeling of a place out of time. Guests will enjoy hiking off-the-beaten-path trails and vacationing at amazing locally owned and operated hotels, from the Fishers’ Loft Inn to one of the planet’s most extraordinary properties, the Fogo Island Inn.

Vancouver Island Multi-Adventure Tour
This island on the edge of the world boasts some of the most acclaimed and elegant lodging in the Northwest: the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, a Relais & Châteaux safari-style eco-lodge, and the Long Beach Lodge Resort, tucked away in a rain forest along the Pacific Ocean. This trip is an opportunity to enjoy an active luxury escape with superb dining and to be immersed in the natural bounty of British Columbia’s unique ecosystem filled with bald eagles, black bears, teeming sea life, and breathtaking coastal trails.

Canadian Rockies Heli-Hiking Tour
The Bugaboos are a remote jagged mountain range in British Columbia; this backcountry area accessed by helicopter, makes for an epic hiking experience suitable to all levels. The Bugaboo Lodge, nestled among the great granite spires of the Bugaboo tower, is a scenic wilderness lodge and the perfect place to stay for stunning hiking and a unique high-elevation experience. The Bobbie Burns Lodge, with luxurious amenities and perched high in the mountains for easy access to adventure, is the featured property on Canadian Rockies Heli-Hiking departures for families with adult kids ages 20 and beyond.

Yellowstone, Grand Tetons & Paradise Valley Bike Tour
The Sage Lodge, a luxurious resort on the Yellowstone River, Kimpton Armory Hotel in Bozeman and Hotel Jackson, downtown Jackson’s charming western-style lodge, are the most premiere hotels this close to these national parks. Backroads’ new bike tour takes guests through Montana’s Paradise Valley, Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, the Grand Tetons, Jenny Lake and Jackson Hole with opportunities to see wildlife, glaciers and western towns and ranches.

Aspen’s Glacial Valleys Bike Tour
Hotel Jerome has been a center of the ski resort goer’s social life for over a century and Backroads guests will enjoy its one-of-a-kind atmosphere of outdoorsy, comfortable camaraderie. This trip is a chance to see an undiscovered side of Aspen and to explore historic roads and remote mountain passes by bike, fully supported by Backroads leaders and vans.

In addition to these new trips, Backroads has announced more than 50 new trips to locations across the globe in 2021. The company also recently announced new easygoing Dolce Tempo trips and Rendezvous, a new option for small groups. 

About Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit backroads.com. Or call 800-462-2848 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pacific time.

BACKROADS MEDIA CONTACT

• Liz Einbinder
• liz_einbinder@backroads.com
• 510-292-2753  

Berkeley, CA – Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced the launch of its new Dolce Tempo segment, offering 29 easygoing itineraries, easier than Backroads other trips, but still wonderfully active – perfect for first-timers. These active adventures were created to provide options for guests who may be new to active travel and looking for an alternative to large resort hotels, all-inclusive resorts and even cruises. Dolce Tempo journeys are for travelers who want to escape the crowds and have an authentic one-of-a-kind vacation, immersed in a place and culture, and fully supported by experienced leaders. 

Additionally, Backroads is also further expanding its popular Active Weekend Getaways for guests looking for a shorter getaway. The expanded offering includes trips in Saguaro National Park & Tucson, Arizona; California’s Sonoma Wine Country; Bend, Oregon; Charleston, South Carolina; Northern Vermont; and Zion National Park, plus new destinations in Whistler, British Columbia, and Texas Hill Country. Dolce Tempo and Active Weekend Getaways, along with all new 2021 trips, are available for booking now.

“We know that the way one chooses to travel is a very personal thing. Because of this, we believe in offering something for travelers who want to experience the unique way Backroads travels,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder and President. “For some, it’s exploring small towns and scenic country roads by e-bike. For others, it’s a perfect morning hike followed by down time at the pool and spa. Our new Dolce Tempo journeys are for anyone who simply wants to get outside, away from the crowds, and experience the best of it all at their own easygoing pace. We expect these trips to be, for many people, a door to a whole new style of travel, full of rich experiences and priceless memories.”

Backroads also just announced its new 2021 trips, including new adventures in Europe, North America and the Southern Hemisphere. The company has also greatly expanded its 20s & Beyond segment – trips for families with young adults in their 20s and early 30s – with more tours to accommodate guest demand. This fast-growing segment is expected to take more than 1,000 guests on departures next year.

A Sampling of Backroads New 2021 Itineraries Include:    

• Berlin to Prague Bike Tour 
• Chile Patagonia & Fjords Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour 
• Italy’s Gran Paradiso to Matterhorn Walking & Hiking Tour 
• Israel & Jordan Walking & Hiking Tour 
• Netherlands & Belgium Walking & Hiking Tour
• New Zealand South Island Multi-Adventure Tour 
• Northern Portugal & Douro Valley Bike Tour 
• Scotland Bike Tour  
• Sicily Multi-Adventure Tour 
• Quebec Walking & Hiking Tour 
• Umbria to the Adriatic Bike Tour
• Vancouver & Gulf Islands Bike Tour

New Backroads Family Adventures for 20s & Beyond – see all 79 new itineraries 

New Dolce Tempo – see all 29 itineraries

Active Weekend Getaways – see all 8 itineraries

The trend of families and small groups of friends taking Private Trips together is continuing to exponentially grow in popularity. Backroads has recently expanded Private Trip offerings with even more flexibility, reduced pricing for 2020 trips and additional departure dates for 2021 Private and Custom group travel. Find more information on Backroads Private Trips here. 

More information on Backroads Dolce Tempo, Active Weekend Getaways and other new tours is available at www.backroads.com.   

About Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit backroads.com. Or call 800-462-2848 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific time.  

BACKROADS MEDIA CONTACT

• Liz Einbinder
• liz_einbinder@backroads.com
• 510-292-2753  

Berkeley, CA (February 5, 2020) — Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced new trips in Central and South America with departures to destinations in Costa Rica, Cuba, Peru and Chile. The company also rolled out additional departures for families traveling with older teens and adult kids in their 20s & Beyond. Backroads will be running special Chile and Argentina Biking and Multi-Adventure Tours for viewing the total solar eclipse on December 14, 2020—a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

New in 2020, Backroads is expanding its South American offerings with a Chile Patagonia & Fjords Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour. Visiting the popular yet hard to reach Chilean Patagonia Fjords, Cape Horn and Torres del Paine National Park, the trip offers unique wildlife and glacier viewing, epic hikes and tours of historical sites in Wulaia Bay, once visited by Charles Darwin. Guests can experience three trips in one while living aboard the Australis, a state-of-the-art expedition ship and staying at Hotel Las Torres and The Singular Patagonia.

“Winter in the Northern Hemisphere means summer in Central and South America and a great time to go on a Backroads active vacation,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “For families with Older Teens & 20s or adult kids 20s & Beyond, we’ve expanded our offering with even more trips and a chance to explore areas like Machu Picchu, Chile’s Volcanoes and Lakes District and Cuba’s countryside.”

“Backroads Trip Leaders and Field Staff are the best in the business,” said Tom Hale, Founder and President of Backroads. “We’re looking for a wide variety of people, interests and skillsets for the 2020 travel season. If you think you’ve got what it takes to work for Backroads, we’d love to hear from you.”

Several of Backroads Latin America tours will take place during the total solar eclipse of 2020. Guests wanting to experience the Americas and the eclipse simultaneously should consider booking the following trips: Argentina Patagonia Lake District Multi-Adventure Tour, Chile Bike Tour and Chile Multi-Adventure Tour.

Several of Backroads Latin America tours will take place during the total solar eclipse of 2020. Guests wanting to experience the Americas and the eclipse simultaneously should consider booking the following trips: Argentina Patagonia Lake District Multi-Adventure Tour, Chile Bike Tour and Chile Multi-Adventure Tour.

Backroads New Latin American Trips Include:

Argentina’s Patagonia Walking & Hiking Tour (20s & Beyond)
Chile’s Lake District Bike Tour (20s & Beyond) Chile Multi-Adventure Tour (Couples, Friends & Solos, Older Teens & 20s, Teens & Kids) + Total Solar Eclipse   Departure (while space is still available)
Chile Patagonia & Fjords Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour (Couples, Friends & Solos, Older Teens & 20s)
Chile’s Lake District Walking & Hiking Tour (20s & Beyond)
Galápagos by Sea Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour (Couples, Friends & Solos, Older Teens & 20s, Teens & Kids)
More information on Backroads Latin America and Caribbean Trips at www.backroads.com.

About Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit backroads.com. Or call 800-462-2848 daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific time

Backroads Media Contact: Liz Einbinder | Liz_Einbinder@Backroads.com | 510-292-2753

Berkeley, CA — (November 7, 2019) — Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced adventure travel trends for 2020, based on early guest bookings and inquiries the company has received. Next year’s hot trends in adventure travel include:

Family Travel with Kids Ages 20 – Early 30s
Backroads has strategically segmented its family offerings – and is now the only outfitter offering four distinct age and life-stage categories. The company caters to the unique needs and interests of each age group, and builds its itineraries, meals and even hotel selection to suit each stage, creating a great dynamic for kids and parents alike. Rolling out in 2020, Backroads Family Trips for 20s & Beyond have been instant winners with guests. In the launch year, there are nearly 100 Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure itineraries to choose from in Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

Electric-Assist Bikes (eBikes)
Fondly referred to as “the great equalizer,” cyclists looking for a little extra boost and to keep pace with other riders have helped spur enormous growth in the electric-assist bicycle category. eBikes are included on Backroads biking trips in North America, Europe and New Zealand and are a great way to make longer distances or bigger hills more accessible and to help guests traveling with more avid cyclists enjoy a two-wheeled adventure together. In 2020 Backroads expects to host 8,500 guests on eBikes making the company the largest eBike cycling travel company in the world. In response to guest inquiries and feedback, Backroads has developed a custom-designed titanium eBike with the same comfort and stability as its top-rated Touring Bike.

Northern Lights
There has been a spike in interest from guests wanting to travel to Iceland and Lapland for a chance to see the famed Northern Lights, a perennial bucket-list experience. Backroads has added capacity to their active adventures in these regions between November and March, when there is an increased likelihood of opportunities to see this natural light phenomenon.

Unique Hiking Experiences
The Backroads Walking & Hiking segment has been growing steadily for the past five years, and the company has more recently seen a surge in bookings for trips with unique hiking experiences like heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies, hut-to-hut hiking in Europe and lodge-to-lodge trekking in Peru.

Active Ocean & River Cruises
Backroads in 2020 will take more than 2,000 guests on active ocean and river cruise trips, as these departures gain in popularity. The segment is also seeing strong growth in active cruising for families and Backroads Full-Ship Celebration charter trips, where everyone on board is a Backroads guest, creating a one-of-a-kind journey among fellow active travelers. The combination of living aboard a ship with unique access to off-the-beaten-path bike routes and only unpacking once is enticing to adventure-seekers of all ages.

Private and Custom Trips
No matter the size—small, medium or large—groups often want personalized trips and the flexibility of planning their own itinerary. Backroads has streamlined its private and custom trip booking process, making arranging these trips easier and more economical than ever before, offering families and friends a great chance to travel together on existing itineraries or on trips designed just for their group. Taking over a scheduled departure or working with a Sales Consultant to plan a custom active adventure has steadily grown over the past five years.

Solar Eclipse
The full solar eclipse in 2018 was a social media sensation and there is expectation that catching a glimpse of the next one, taking place in December 2020, will be just as much of a sought-after experience. Backroads trips to Latin America for the best eclipse watching next winter have been selling fast. The company has added a number of departures to keep up with the demand including Argentina Patagonia Lake District Multi-Adventure Tour and Chile Bike and Multi-Adventure Tours.

“2020 is shaping up to be another exciting year for active adventure travel,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “We have seen record growth in new segments like families traveling with kids in their 20s and early 30s as they seek quality time together after the school years. And there is increased interest in bucket-list experiences like seeing the Northern Lights while traveling actively. Along with expanded active ocean and river cruise offerings, we are also rolling out an incredible lineup of new trips.”

About Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit backroads.com. Or call 800-462-2848 daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific time.

Backroads Media Contact: Liz Einbinder | Liz_Einbinder@Backroads.com | 510-292-2753 

Berkeley, CA – November 7, 2019 – Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced adventure travel trends for 2020, based on early guest bookings and inquiries the company has received. Next year’s hot trends in adventure travel include:

Family Travel with Kids Ages 20 – Early 30s
Backroads has strategically segmented its family offerings – and is now the only outfitter offering four distinct age and life-stage categories. The company caters to the unique needs and interests of each age group, and builds its itineraries, meals and even hotel selection to suit each stage, creating a great dynamic for kids and parents alike. Rolling out in 2020, Backroads Family Trips for 20s & Beyond have been instant winners with guests. In the launch year, there are nearly 100 Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure itineraries to choose from in Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

Electric-Assist Bikes (eBikes)
Fondly referred to as “the great equalizer,” cyclists looking for a little extra boost and to keep pace with other riders have helped spur enormous growth in the electric-assist bicycle category. eBikes are included on Backroads biking trips in North America, Europe and New Zealand and are a great way to make longer distances or bigger hills more accessible and to help guests traveling with more avid cyclists enjoy a two-wheeled adventure together. In 2020 Backroads expects to host 8,500 guests on eBikes making the company the largest eBike cycling travel company in the world. In response to guest inquiries and feedback, Backroads has developed a custom-designed titanium eBike with the same comfort and stability as its top-rated Touring Bike.

Northern Lights
There has been a spike in interest from guests wanting to travel to Iceland and Lapland for a chance to see the famed Northern Lights, a perennial bucket-list experience. Backroads has added capacity to their active adventures in these regions between November and March, when there is an increased likelihood of opportunities to see this natural light phenomenon.

Unique Hiking Experiences
The Backroads Walking & Hiking segment has been growing steadily for the past five years, and the company has more recently seen a surge in bookings for trips with unique hiking experiences like heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies, hut-to-hut hiking in Europe and lodge-to-lodge trekking in Peru.

Active Ocean & River Cruises
Backroads in 2020 will take more than 2,000 guests on active ocean and river cruise trips, as these departures gain in popularity. The segment is also seeing strong growth in active cruising for families and Backroads Full-Ship Celebration charter trips, where everyone on board is a Backroads guest, creating a one-of-a-kind journey among fellow active travelers. The combination of living aboard a ship with unique access to off-the-beaten-path bike routes and only unpacking once is enticing to adventure-seekers of all ages.

Private and Custom Trips
No matter the size—small, medium or large—groups often want personalized trips and the flexibility of planning their own itinerary. Backroads has streamlined its private and custom trip booking process, making arranging these trips easier and more economical than ever before, offering families and friends a great chance to travel together on existing itineraries or on trips designed just for their group. Taking over a scheduled departure or working with a Sales Consultant to plan a custom active adventure has steadily grown over the past five years. 

Solar Eclipse
The full solar eclipse in 2018 was a social media sensation and there is expectation that catching a glimpse of the next one, taking place in December 2020, will be just as much of a sought-after experience. Backroads trips to Latin America for the best eclipse watching next winter have been selling fast. The company has added a number of departures to keep up with the demand including Argentina Patagonia Lake District Multi-Adventure Tour and Chile Bike and Multi-Adventure Tours. 

 “2020 is shaping up to be another exciting year for active adventure travel,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “We have seen record growth in new segments like families traveling with kids in their 20s and early 30s as they seek quality time together after the school years.  And there is increased interest in bucket-list experiences like seeing the Northern Lights while traveling actively. Along with expanded active ocean and river cruise offerings, we are also rolling out an incredible lineup of new trips.”

About Backroads 
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit backroads.com. Or call 800-462-2848 daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific time.

BACKROADS MEDIA CONTACT

• Liz Einbinder
• liz_einbinder@backroads.com
• 510-292-2753