Backroads
Backroads
Tom Hale, Backroads founder and president, built Backroads with his passion for exploring the world’s most fascinating places actively. Thirty five years later, each Backroads employee and legions of loyal travelers could not imagine a better way to travel—immersing yourself in the life of a region and exploring hidden corners while enjoying the benefits and enormous satisfaction of traveling under your own power. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus, or in a few excursions from a cruise ship or a secluded resort. Active travel is, at its heart, a way of connecting more authentically with the world. Sure, Backroads provides superb accommodations and meals, and opportunities you could never arrange on your own. But all of our comprehensive planning and support is aimed at something far simpler: bringing you the immediate, highly personal satisfaction of discovering a new world on your own terms.

Articles Written

Iceland Multi Adventure Tour guest photo
May 7, 2021

Five Reasons to Travel to Iceland

The most sparsely populated country in Europe, Iceland is a place where nature dwarfs humanity. It’s awe-inspiring and humbling, and it’s one of our favorite places to travel—here are five reasons why.

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Guest with bike on pier, overlooking bay full of sailboats.
March 9, 2021

Five Reasons to Travel to Maine

Ready for an epic New England adventure? Get an insider's perspective on why Maine is a perfect place for an active vacation.

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Peregrine Falcon - Backroads Maine Tour
February 2, 2021

Acadian Aviators: Rachel Carson & Maine's Peregrine Falcons

Rachel Carson's little-known love affair with the rocky Maine coastline kicked off her career and, ultimately, helped save the majestic Peregrine Falcon from extinction.

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Southwest USA Travel with Backroads
December 3, 2020

Five Reasons to Travel to the Southwest

The Southwest is one of the world's great outdoor adventure playgrounds. Here are five reasons why this region should be at the top of any travel bucket list.

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New Mexico Chiles
November 23, 2020

Red or Green? The Spicy Story of New Mexico's Chile Cuisine

It's the most important question you'll be asked in New Mexico: red or green? A classic New Mexican cuisine, the state's red and green chile peppers are legendary—and spicy!

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Mesa Verde Ancient Cliff Dwelling - Cliff Palace
November 5, 2020

Sedona’s Human History: Fascinating Stories & Ancient Traditions

Little is known about the earliest inhabitants of the Southwest. Once called the “Anasazi,” or "ancient ones," mystery surrounds their existence, their culture and their disappearance. But they left astonishing treasures in the archeological record.

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Twenty mule team wagon at the Harmony Borax Works in Death Valley
November 5, 2020

Death Valley: Folklore, History and Local Legends

What is it about Death Valley that gets such a hold on people and inspires them to live in what might be called the most inhospitable place in our nation? 

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Cinque Terre Walking and Hiking Tour
August 27, 2020

From Pirates to Prada on the Italian Riviera

In the 1920s Coco Chanel ushered in the era of the deep dark tan.

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Irish Pub - Backroads Ireland Bike Tour
August 27, 2020

Beer & Blarney: The Intoxicating Atmosphere of Irish Pubs

As you travel through Ireland, one given is that even the tiniest of towns will boast at least one Irish pub—and more likely, they’ll each have a few.

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Rue Mapp of Outdoor Afro
July 28, 2020

Bite-Sized Backroads Trip - Charleston & Savannah

Backroads was honored to have Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro, join us last fall on a multi-adventure tour through South Carolina & Georgia.

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