Lee Schwartz is a writer who has taken countless Backroads trips, mostly family adventures. This was her first time visiting Thailand and her first time flying into the wrong airport. And honestly? She recommends both.

The New York Times’ annual “52 Places to Go” list is once again talk of the travel world and full of inspiration! It’s no surprise to see 11 destinations included that you can travel to with Backroads.

On this Backroads Italy & Slovenia (with one day in Italy’s lovely Friuli-Venezia wine region near Venice before heading into Slovenia) hiking adventure, I am joining this centuries-old tradition. With each new landscape I hike, I discover I’m flexing more than just my muscles, I’m building optimism too. This much natural beauty has a way of doing that. Here are five of my favorite wow moments from the trip.

Travel trends are obviously something we keep tabs on at Backroads, and for 2026, our experts are noticing even more solo travelers signing up for our immersive, active adventures. We see you, solo travelers! And we’re here to help you get out there. Backroads recently launched more than 100 trip dates featuring reduced single supplement fees—and on some trips you’ll pay nothing extra to stay in your own private room.

When people hear that you work for Backroads, the first question they ask is “Do you get to go on trips?” The answer is an enthusiastic “Yes!” Travel perks are just one of the special things about working here and deciding where to go is half the fun. So we asked: with literally hundreds of trips to choose from, where did Backroads employees go in 2025? Here’s what they said.

In 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to introduce a new initiative here at Backroads: the Give Back Field Project (GBFP) program. GBFP is the realization of a dream that came to life after conversations with so many passionate Field Staff who were already finding meaningful ways to give back to the regions that welcome us with such openness and generosity.

June’s long days and balmy climes mark the sweet spot in European summer. Tables are spread with farm-to-table feasts, mountain trails emerge from the snowpack, and jovial locals welcome visitors after a quieter spring. Plus, there are extended daylight hours for more exploring or lingering at leisurely dinners.

At Backroads, we track industry trends, but we prefer to set them.

Prayer flags. Mountains. A small country tucked between two of the world’s most populated countries.

We all love to get away, whether it’s a weekend getaway, a longer trip further afield or a once-in-a-lifetime journey to a bucket-list location. We also love coming home with lots of pretty pictures to share with friends and family and of course to post online. As the Backroads photo editor, I’m here to offer you a few tips to help you come home from your next trip with even better, prettier pictures.