From sun-warmed coastlines to Alpine air and vineyard flavors, Backroads summer trips are designed to engage every sense. Discover immersive, luxury adventure experiences that blend active exploration with exceptional cuisine, scenery and stays—inviting you to slow down, connect and savor the season in unforgettable ways.

In honor of World Bicycle Day, we’re celebrating the simple joy of moving through the world on two wheels. This year, that spirit comes to life through our support of the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a project that invites people to slow down, travel safely and experience the journey as something beautiful in itself.

Packing for an active adventure can get complicated fast. What do you need and what can you leave behind? What if it rains? How can you pack for both active days and evenings without overstuffing? You have lots of questions, and we have answers! Discover essential active travel packing tips from Backroads Trip Leaders, including layering clothing, versatile gear, rain gear essentials and comfortable footwear. Learn smart packing strategies like using packing cubes to stay organized and pack efficiently for any adventure.

In Italy, some of the best things happen senza pensieri—without overthinking them. Water is one of them—you fill your bottle and move on. According to the Italian National Institute of Health, drinking water is tested regularly across the country, with over 99 percent of samples meeting safety standards. From big cities to small villages, the water that flows from taps and public drinking fountains is safe to drink.

Extraordinary seasonal experiences make these destinations—from Arizona’s Saguaro National Park to Spain’s Canary Islands—stand out this month.

When winter sets in, not everyone dreams of snow. For many of us, the season is the perfect excuse to chase sunshine, wide-open landscapes and the quiet calm of the desert.

The vibrant forest that once blanketed the valley was gone. Standing at my favorite viewpoint, I felt as though I were at the raw edge of a deep scar.

If you’re new to group travel—or just the Backroads way of doing it—a little insider know-how can make all the difference. What specific details should you consider when searching our thousands of trips for the one that’ll suit you best? What’s nonnegotiable when it comes to packing your biking and hiking kits? Can you wear undies beneath your bike shorts?

“Did you ever think,” I said to my son, halfway through a Backroads trip to Argentina’s Lake District, “that one day you’d be sipping champagne on a private boat in the middle of a lake in Patagonia?” “This is epic,” came his response. It wasn’t the only epic moment on that trip. There was the snowcapped Andes, the Southern Cross in the night sky, the wine tasting. How many 22-year-olds, I mused, could speak intelligently about the regions and varieties of Argentinian wines? This is just part of what growing up traveling gave my son.

In honor of Mother's Day and all the inspirational, kind and strong moms who keep things running smoothly (both at Backroads and in life!), we want to shine a spotlight on one of our favorite moms in our Backroads community. Meet Alison Iles, a former Trip Leader and mom of two champion mountain bikers in Canada. Alison has worn many hats at Backroads in her 35-year tenure, most recently that of Regional Director of the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia. We sat down with Alison to talk about travel, motherhood and her thoughts and advice on raising kids who embrace active outdoor adventures.