The aurora borealis, or the northern lights, are truly a spectacle. We’ve all seen those stunning photos of green, pink, purple, blue, and indigo curtains dancing through the sky. It’s something many of us dream of seeing in our lifetime, and we’re here to tell you that 2024 is the year to see them.

Your 40s are a great time of your life to travel, but they’re an even better time to travel with Backroads. We take care of the logistics so that in your busy life, you can be sure that every precious day you spend on vacation will count to the fullest. Besides, group travel is a built-in way to meet new friends.

Welcome, one and all, to the land of shamrocks, Guinness, Riverdance and U2. You guessed it–we’re talking about Ireland! And while we all can enjoy a pint of that refreshing stout and debate the country’s best musical export, we’re here to venture beyond pop culture and talk about hiking.

Did you know that 63% of travelers are women? What about the fact that 85% of solo travelers are female? We here at Backroads are celebrating the women traveling around the world with our brand-new collection of Women’s Adventures!

A day in the life of a guest on our New Zealand trip.

One of the things that I like about hiking is that you don’t need to be doing the “best” hike in the world to be having a good time. You get to be out in nature with people you care about, enjoying any one of the varied landscapes our planet has to offer. Whether it’s walking in rural Vermont’s rolling hills or trekking in Mount Everest, at the core of it, we’re all just having a good time in the great outdoors.

Costa Rica has activities for seasoned thrill seekers and inexperienced explorers alike. We’ve spent nearly 30 years in this Central American paradise finding the best hikes, bike rides, rivers and beaches as well as building longstanding local connections.  

As borders reopen around the globe, a world of possibilities is opening up for travelers. Read on and discover tips to make 2022 your best year of travel ever.

Camino de Santiago, Scandinavia and Women’s Adventures Top the List of our top ten active travel trends in 2024 to help inspire your next grand adventure.

Iceland is a place where nature paints a mesmerizing canvas of rugged landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, and glaciers that seem to touch the sky. But there's no better way to truly experience this untamed beauty than by lacing up your hiking boots and embarking on an adventure through the country’s breathtaking terrain.