Kimberly Defanti Hoernig
Kimberly Defanti Hoernig

Ask Kimberly about her travels and she’ll likely start talking about street food: crispy golgappas in India, fresh barracuda in Nicaragua, spicy papaya salad in Laos... She believes there’s no better way to experience a culture than through local cuisine. With a degree in Global Studies from UC Santa Barbara and a deep fascination with the world’s diversity, this native Californian has eaten—and kayaked, cycled, trekked, dived, spelunked, rafted and camel-rode—her way through more than 35 countries. She loves sharing her passion for travel as a Marketing Writer and Editor at Backroads.

Articles Written

table of guests cheersing
June 19, 2025

Wine Regions on Every Continent: An Around-the-World Tasting Adventure

If sipping a glass of Pinot while overlooking vineyard-draped hills is your idea of bliss, you’re not alone. But why stop at Napa or Bordeaux when the world is bursting with wine regions just waiting to be explored? Whether you're a casual enthusiast or a full-blown oenophile, these regions offer the perfect pairing: epic landscapes, rich culture and of course, outstanding wine. Pack your palate and your passport—this is your ticket to a global wine adventure, tailor-made for travelers who crave a taste of something different.

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Wanderlust World Guide Awards Kelsey Tonner in Myanmar
May 19, 2015

Wanderlust World Guide Awards: Kelsey Tonner

We're proud to announce that our very own leader Kelsey Tonner has made the short list for the Wanderlust World Guide Award, the only global award for tour leaders and guides. Wanderlust is a British travel magazine that focuses on intelligent and inspirational travel, and Kelsey helps provide just that. We caught up with Kelsey to learn more about him and the award.

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January 13, 2014

From 0 to 60

When I started working at Backroads this past June, I had never been on a road bike in my life. But this October, I joined 230 of my coworkers at our annual Staff Ride, which this year was held in Spain, and cycled 25-60 miles a day. Here’s what I learned, going from 0 miles a day to 60...

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