Destinations

When you were a teenager, did you want to go on vacation with your parents?  I certainly didn't! In fact, once I reached the age where I didn't have to go on vacation with my parents... I simply refused to go! You see, when I reached my twenties, my parents visited me and I visited them for holidays and special events but we never considered taking a vacation together as adults. There simply wasn't a vacation option out there that equally appealed to every one of us.

We’ve been leading Backroads guided bike tours in France for nearly four decades. From historic routes in Normandy to the sunny villages of Provence, here are what we think are the best cycling destinations in France.

Home to a culture that grew separate from foreign influence, Japan is true to itself and has a distinct character from almost any other place on Earth. Beyond its culture, the land feels undiscovered and is beautiful in its own right. You’ll be up close and personal with this unique culture and stunning landscape as you explore the island on your bike.

Home to over 100,000 miles of hiking trails, choosing the “best” among these natural wonders is no easy task, but here we share with you our top five hiking trails in France. From coastal strolls to rugged mountain ascents, each of these trails offers a unique journey into France’s breathtaking wilderness

When you think of England, you might instantly picture London, the country’s capital, brimming with culture and life. But just four hours west of London lies Cornwall, a traditional Celtic region designated as one of England’s Areas of Outstanding National Beauty. There’s a reason this stunning landscape is one of the most popular getaways in the UK, and why Brits look forward to holidaying here in the summer. While the narrow coves boast white-sand beaches edged with blooming wildflowers, they also whisper the legends and secrets of King Arthur.

The excitement of travel never goes out of style, and 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for active adventures. From women-only trips and epic alpine hikes to unplugged cycling and chasing dark skies, the trends shaping our year reflect a shared love of exploring the world in meaningful ways. Based on what’s already resonating with our guests, here are the top active travel trends that are inspiring us for the year ahead.

February is the time of year when most people are relaxing, recovering from the holidays and getting back into the swing of their daily routine. But if you can’t wait to get back out there, February is the perfect month for a unique adventure. From hiking in far-off New Zealand to trekking in South America to enjoying a winter wonderland closer to home, adventurous travelers can find something to satisfy their wanderlust, even in the off-season.

I booked Backroads’ Tanzania Active Safari Tour, confident that we’d have the best possible itinerary for our African honeymoon. But I had no idea how wonderful it would be—or that the Backroads crew and our local hosts had a few surprises in store along the way.

Tucked away between the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea and the rest of the Balkans, you’ll find the beautiful little country of Croatia. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Croatia became a popular destination for travelers, and for good reasons.

With so much packed into such a small place, it’s easy to miss what makes each region truly distinct. That’s where a real local comes in handy. Luckily for us, we’ve got Scotland and UK Regional Expert Keith Emslie to help us unravel this rich tapestry of cultures.