Destinations

Venture somewhere new or see an old favorite in a fresh light. From chasing the northern lights to experiencing the world’s best wine countries, we’ve gathered stories and insider tips on the places you simply can’t miss.

Wide shot of autumnal forest during colorful sunset.
July 10, 2025

North Carolina, Your Old Friend

Once you become acquainted with western North Carolina, you start to think of it like an old friend. Maybe it’s the sound of the afternoon rain cooling the vibrant forests; the sweet, tangy morsels of classic barbeque on your lips; the sound of the fiddle dancing through the air, traversing decades of backyard gatherings; the lush, humble beauty that immerses you the minute you step foot into the hollers; the blooming of the mountain laurel and the streams so clear you can see the color of every stone at the bottom; or the clean, pure air entering your lungs as you pedal under pristine, green canopy. Whatever the call may be, your old friend is waiting for you.

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Two hands holding up champagne glasses, with the Eiffel tower in the distance
July 8, 2025

The Most Romantic Cities to Bookend Your Backroads Trip

Some cities are made for love. Whether it’s the dreamy canals of Venice or the Eiffel tower twinkling against a sunset sky, certain places have that irrepressible spark. If you’re looking for the perfect backdrop for a couple's getaway, look no further. We’ve paired our favorite romantic cities with Backroads trips that begin or end nearby — ideal for a blissful, extended vacation. 

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Active river cutting through two large mountains
June 24, 2025

Yellowstone National Park in Every Season

Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872, when President Ulysses S. Grant set the land apart “as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” This vast natural space of over 2 million acres has served exactly that purpose for over 150 years now.

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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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Large lake surrounded by bushes and plants, with snow-capped mountains in the distance
June 17, 2025

Time Travel to Estancia Cristina

I used to call it “the end of the world,” but I was corrected by the locals who rightfully refer to it as “the beginning of the world.” After spending a few weeks in Patagonia, I now understand why. This faraway land straddling Chile and Argentina is larger than life, raw and multifaceted. Despite the long journey to get there, everyone who gets to visit this land leaves it feeling lucky, like they were made privy to a well-kept secret.

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Red flowers on top of a river with people on kayaks paddling through
June 10, 2025

Our Favorite, Less-Crowded Alternatives to European Destinations

It’s been several summers since the pandemic, but it seems like Europe’s wave of “quarantine revenge travel” is still cresting. Whether it’s on Croatia’s photogenic Adriatic isles, in Prague’s fairy-tale lanes or along Venice’s canals, Europeans (and Europe-lovers) will tell you without any doubt: we’re feeling the pressure of eager tourist crowds.

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Two women sitting in front of an orange house, with a bike parked out front
June 5, 2025

The Southwest's Human History

Rugged, radiant and steeped in stories, the American Southwest is more than a destination—it’s a journey through layered landscapes and layered histories. From the sandstone arches of Utah to the red rock canyons of Arizona, the cliff dwellings of New Mexico to the alpine mesas of Southern Colorado, this region invites adventure travelers to explore on foot and by bike, tracing the footsteps of Ancestral Puebloans, Spanish explorers and the Indigenous communities that still call this land home. Wherever you're trekking or riding in the Southwest, each trail tells a tale—etched in stone, sun and spirit.

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Bike leaning on a wooden post next to a road, with two lambs walking across
May 29, 2025

Biking in Scotland–The Key to Happiness?

Scotland. A land known for its misty mountains and distilleries with history hiding behind every corner. But beyond the castles and bagpipes there’s a whole world to be explored–by bike!

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Biker riding past red tile rooftops.
May 29, 2025

Must-See Spots in Andalusia

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.

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Overlook Beach Aqua Water Norway
May 22, 2025

Why the World’s Happiest Countries Might Just Be Your Next Great Adventure 

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.

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