Enthusiastic, genuine, endlessly resourceful—just a few words to capture the spirit of Backroads Trip Leaders. Not to mention professional world travelers with a passion for sharing their discoveries, whether it be the less-traveled route to stunning views, the most unique local restaurant or the little-known history of a place. And equipped with the lowdown on our adventures spanning over 60 countries, they are the ultimate travel insiders. So we asked our Trip Leaders: Where are you excited to go in 2026? Here’s what they said.
Krakow to Budapest Biking
Recommended by Marcin Wojciechowski
“I love how this trip takes you from Poland’s mountains into Slovakia’s quiet roads and ends with a toast in Hungary’s Tokaj wine country—it’s such a unique three-country journey.”
Three countries, three spa hotels and castles, castles, castles! You’ll start in Krakow, whose well-preserved city center was recently named the Most Beautiful in Europe, and ride through rolling meadows or up heart-pumping hills, stopping for pierogies and beer along the way. Visit World Heritage treasures like the Jasov monastery and the hillside wine cellars of Hercegkút, then finish in Hungary’s Tokaj wine country and the magnificent city of Budapest.
Spain’s Canary Islands Multi-Adventure
Recommended by Judit Ruiz Hernandez
“I was born and raised in the Canaries, and no matter how far I travel, I’m always drawn back to the volcanic landscapes, big climbs and easy island lifestyle.”
This volcanic archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa gave the native yellow bird its name (not the other way around) and has been part of Spain since the 1400s. Its subtropical climate equals year-round adventure. Island-hop to kayak, snorkel, hike the Ruta de los Volcanoes and bike downhill for miles in El Teide National Park.
Cyprus Biking
Recommended by Cat McNally
“For me, Cyprus has it all—epic riding, incredible food and wine, authentic hotels and layers of history at the crossroads of East and West.”
Cycle stretches of the Eurovelo 8, also known as the Mediterranean route, on roads with more bicycles than cars and more hills than flats. You’ll wind your way up to a historic monastery and, once off the bike, cross over to the Turkish side of the island, taste small-batch wines and admire the gothic interior of the Selimiye mosque.
Ireland’s Connemara Hiking & Walking
Recommended by Claire Millar
“Connemara is where I go to escape the crowds and experience Ireland at its most rugged, with timeless landscapes and genuine rural hospitality.”
Meet in artsy and vibrant Galway, the gateway to western Ireland. Hike along the Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO Global Geopark, where dramatic sea cliffs rise 700 feet above the Atlantic and O’Brien’s Tower stands guard. Explore the depths of Irish culture through hiking Ireland’s own pilgrimage path and hearing ghost stories in Ennis.
Spain’s Camino del Norte Hiking & Walking
Recommended by Cristian Sanchez Conesa
“I love how this trip slows you down. You start to notice small things—the light on the cliffs, the taste of fresh cider, the sound of cowbells drifting through the hills.”
On the more challenging Camino del Norte, you’ll encounter few pilgrims and a peaceful atmosphere. Hike the most scenic parts of this ancient coastal path, including the heavenly views from the so-called Cliffs of Hell and the highest peak in the Picos de Europa. Along the way, catch a glimpse of wild horses, follow the fossilized footsteps of dinosaurs, admire a private art collection and pair fresh seafood with locally made apple cider.
Where are you excited to go in 2026? Find your trip.
