My first time in Andalusia, I arrived in the enchanting city of Granada in the evening. I walked on narrow streets snaking through ancient neighborhoods and cramped bazaars on my way to my lodging for the night. Up on the hill, overlooking the city, was the citadel of La Alhambra. It was glowing reddish-orange, outlined by the thick black of the night sky. It was powerful and majestic, a historic stronghold whose presence was an artful backdrop to a vibrant city. Granada was fully on display. So began my love of Southern Spain.

Every year, the World Happiness Report reminds us of something we already knew—some places just feel, well, happier. That feeling comes from a unique blend of connection, nature and balance, plus a certain je ne sais quoi that shifts in subtle, fascinating ways from place to place. In this year’s CNBC list of the happiest countries on Earth, seven of the top ten are places you can explore with Backroads.

In a world where travel is more accessible than ever, many travelers now seek deeper, more meaningful experiences that go beyond simply visiting a destination—they want to truly connect with it. Backroads shares this philosophy, believing that travel isn’t just about seeing new sights; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, tasting the local flavors and understanding a place through the eyes of the people who live there.

Battered Mars bars, newspaper-wrapped fish-and-chips and haggis is what Scottish food is all about, right? Well, this may have once been the case, but the modern food scene in Scotland has transitioned from beige fried food to innovative menus exploding with local farm produce and twists on traditional dishes. Given the abundance of rich green fields with a water source every 200 meters, it’s no surprise Scotland is rapidly blossoming into one of the most impressive culinary destinations in the world.

As a CEO, I’m used to leading. I’m used to planning the route, setting the pace and carrying the weight of decisions. But when I travel with Backroads, I get to set all of that down—and it’s one of the healthiest, most soul-refreshing choices I make all year. This spring, I had the joy of taking my sixth Backroads trip: a six-day hiking adventure in Peru, including unforgettable hikes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Llamas followed us along winding mountain paths, ancient ruins rose around us and every step seemed to carry a deeper lesson—not just about travel, but about life, leadership and creativity.

Imagine the sound of your kids laughing as they go white water rafting. Imagine the joy on their faces as they zip-line over rain forests or spot a sloth for the first time. Better yet, imagine the fun you’re going to have when you’re doing these things too!

When we launched our new Women’s Adventures at Backroads, we figured there’d be interest. We had high expectations the first few departures would fill, but we didn’t expect just how fast it would all take off. Within weeks, the response came pouring in—and just like that, we were working overtime to keep up. I’ll be honest, I was surprised at first. But when I really sit with it, maybe I shouldn’t have been.

Adventure travel isn’t always about peak performance or picture-perfect moments—it’s about pushing boundaries, embracing discomfort and discovering strength in unexpected places. In this heartfelt personal essay, guest blogger Dani Wiesenthal shares her transformative experience on an all-women’s hiking trip through the Canadian Rockies with Backroads. From sore muscles and self-doubt to breathtaking vistas and connections with the other women travelers, this story captures the raw, real magic of venturing into the wild—especially when shared with someone you love.

Imagine: the sun is shining and a gentle sea breeze blows off the Atlantic coast. You’re riding your bike, soaking in the stunning scenery. And then you roll into a quaint village and decide to stop for a snack. What you’re greeted with is the most delicious pastel de nata (custard tart) you’ve ever tasted. Life can’t get much better than this. This is just a snapshot of what makes Portugal a cyclist’s dream in our eyes. Let Backroads bring those dreams to life.

The Hudson Valley’s rolling hills, scenic rivers and charming small towns are a magnet for cyclists like me. The hills are perfect for getting a burn, you’re rewarded with well-earned views and of course, there’s a cruisy valley descent.