Destinations

Winter isn’t just for staying in—it's for getting out there. Whether you crave crisp Alpine air and snow-covered landscapes or dream of coastal sunshine and Mediterranean breezes, Backroads has winter trips to warm your soul or cool your cheeks.

Iceland—the Land of Fire and Ice. For travelers seeking adventure, this country delivers in every sense: dramatic landscapes, outdoor thrills and natural wonders unlike anywhere else. Let us take you on a journey that highlights the best of the region, from epic glacier hikes and waterfall treks to horseback rides, rafting excursions and Super Jeep safaris.

Your 30s and 40s are a great time of life to travel, but they’re an even better time to travel with Backroads. We take care of the logistics so you can make the most of every precious vacation day. And while you may be happily beyond your hostel-dorm era, you’ll never outgrow the need to share experiences with the like-minded travelers you’ll find on Backroads 30s & 40s trips.

England—a land with tales that are told throughout ancient history, folklore and legends. You’ve probably heard of places such as Yorkshire and the Cotswolds, and you’ve even stopped in London for a few nights, right? But in the top northwest of England lies arguably the most beautiful national park in the whole of the United Kingdom: the Lake District. This area, referred to as Cumbria, is one of the biggest outdoor capitals of the UK and boasts huge mountains and hundreds of waters, lakes and tarns, all interconnected by gushing rivers and waterfalls. As a Lake District local, I’m here to tell you why this UNESCO World Heritage Site should be your next travel destination—but maybe not for the reasons you expect.

The aurora borealis, or the northern lights, are truly a spectacle. We’ve all seen those stunning photos of green, pink, purple, blue, and indigo curtains dancing through the sky. It’s something many of us dream of seeing in our lifetime, and we’re here to tell you that 2024 is the year to see them.

In 2024, Vietnam became the fastest growing tourist country in Southeast Asia, surpassing Singapore with a total of 17.5 million foreign visitors. Did White Lotus Season 3 have a hand in the influx of foreign tourism? Maybe. But the bigger story? Vietnam has emerged as an affordable, foodie destination, rich with history and culture. Here’s what you can expect on a visit to Vietnam, and why it should be your next adventure.

At Backroads, we’ve been biking around Europe for over three decades. Here are what we think are the best cycling destinations on the continent. From vineyards to castles, from the Dalmatian Coast to the Bavarian Alps- our top 10 biking regions in Europe.

At Backroads, we’ve been leading guided bike tours in Italy for over three decades. Check out a few of our favorite routes and learn more about some of the best cycling destinations in the country.

Meaning ‘coastline’ in Italian, the term Riviera originated in northwestern Italy to define the area surrounding the city of Genoa. Now, every country promotes its own version of a Riviera as a promise of a perfect seafront or lakefront vacation. Let’s narrow in on three European Rivieras worth a visit: one you probably know, and two you may not.

There's something about San Francisco. Something that sets it apart from other major world cities. Is it the natural setting: a hilly peninsula surrounded on three sides by indigo Pacific waters? Perhaps it’s the postcard-perfect aesthetic: the parade of ornate pastel Victorians alongside a riot of street art? Or maybe it’s the culture: an energy and ideology that pushes ever forward, testing the edges of what society deems normal, from polyamory to self-driving cars.