Woman smiling with a valley in the background
Tasha Zemke

Tasha Zemke has more than two decades of journalism experience and has written travel content for numerous publications, including Outside magazine and Conde Nast Traveler. She lived on the small Italian island of Pantelleria for 13 years and most recently enjoyed outdoor adventuring in Japan and Israel.

Articles Written

Beautiful mountain valley and village in Nepal
February 17, 2026

7 of the Most Challenging Hiking Trips

At Backroads, we believe people can do hard things, specifically hard hikes. Many guests come seeking a true mountain challenge. Others arrive certain they’ll choose the moderate route each day, only to decide they’re up for testing their limits. However you approach your next trek, our leaders and thoughtful trip design support your ambitions.

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Two guests cycling down vineyard road towards villa.
February 12, 2026

The Seven Hardest Biking Trips in the World—and Why Backroads Riders Love Them

Looking for a challenge? Backroads has long been a favorite of riders who love big days in the saddle.

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Wide shot of sunlit mountain, blue lake, Shasta Daisies.
January 29, 2026

Top Five Places to Travel in July

Where to go in a month when things are heating up? How about a cool-cation in Canada among glacially fed lakes and spectacular peaks or trek trails in Alaska to outlooks where whales breach and bears feast? If Europe is calling, there’s no destination quite like Provence, France, during the lavender bloom to capture the essence of a place. Or escape summer altogether and fly to the Southern Hemisphere, maybe to peak-bag Machu Picchu in Peru or scout animals on a safari in South Africa. It’s the perfect month for both.

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Beautiful mountain valley and village in Nepal
January 20, 2026

Inside The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2026”: Where Backroads Creates Magic Moments

The New York Times’ annual “52 Places to Go” list is once again talk of the travel world and full of inspiration! It’s no surprise to see 11 destinations included that you can travel to with Backroads.

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Woman leaning on the edge of an infinity pool, looking out towards a stone castle
January 13, 2026

Trips for Solo Travelers

Travel trends are obviously something we keep tabs on at Backroads, and for 2026, our experts are noticing even more solo travelers signing up for our immersive, active adventures. We see you, solo travelers! And we’re here to help you get out there. Backroads recently launched more than 100 trip dates featuring reduced single supplement fees—and on some trips you’ll pay nothing extra to stay in your own private room.

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Group of people holding bikes over their heads, with a town and ocean in the background
December 23, 2025

Backroads’ Top Adventure Travel Trends for 2026

At Backroads, we track industry trends, but we prefer to set them.

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