Experiences

What do you know about puffins? They're smaller than penguins, they live in Iceland, and they're cute. Great! Unfortunately, they're also elusive little creatures, with unique and specific migratory patterns and a habit of nesting in remote hundred-meter cliffs. Like the Northern Lights, puffins are unpredictable, but here are a few suggestions of where and when you're more likely to spot them.

A few years ago, electric-assist bikes were known only to cycling enthusiasts. Today, the demand for these nifty cruisers has skyrocketed worldwide for people of all ages and cycling preferences.

When I first joined Backroads, I never imagined how far this adventure would take me—literally and metaphorically. From cycling and hiking the far corners of Europe, trekking the jungles of Central America to guiding guests in the vibrant cultures of Asia, I’ve been privileged to learn, grow and share in some of the world’s most extraordinary places. But nothing has felt quite as much like coming home as leading trips in Tanzania.

In a world where travel is more accessible than ever, many travelers now seek deeper, more meaningful experiences that go beyond simply visiting a destination—they want to truly connect with it. Backroads shares this philosophy, believing that travel isn’t just about seeing new sights; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, tasting the local flavors and understanding a place through the eyes of the people who live there.

When we launched our new Women’s Adventures at Backroads, we figured there’d be interest. We had high expectations the first few departures would fill, but we didn’t expect just how fast it would all take off. Within weeks, the response came pouring in—and just like that, we were working overtime to keep up. I’ll be honest, I was surprised at first. But when I really sit with it, maybe I shouldn’t have been.

Nothing puts a spring in your step like a landscape of wildflowers. On the first day of the season, we've compiled the top ten Backroads trips for flower lovers.

Adventure travel isn’t always about peak performance or picture-perfect moments—it’s about pushing boundaries, embracing discomfort and discovering strength in unexpected places. In this heartfelt personal essay, guest blogger Dani Wiesenthal shares her transformative experience on an all-women’s hiking trip through the Canadian Rockies with Backroads. From sore muscles and self-doubt to breathtaking vistas and connections with the other women travelers, this story captures the raw, real magic of venturing into the wild—especially when shared with someone you love.

They say that the memory of tastes and smells is the strongest and longest-lasting of them all. Well, if I had to describe what my childhood tasted and smelled like, I would say olive oil and warm bread.

When traveling with Backroads, be ready to find yourself in the right place at the right time. Imagine hiking on a sunny day at 6,500 feet of elevation in the Swiss Alps. It’s the second day of a Women’s Adventure trip. After conquering some steep hills in the morning, we have lunch by a lake in Switzerland before crossing the invisible country border back into France. We see the Chamonix Valley in the distance where our beautiful hotel waits for us in the middle of town. We are ready to come down, after a day well spent outdoors.

Did you know that 63% of travelers are women? What about the fact that 85% of solo travelers are female? We here at Backroads are celebrating the women traveling around the world with our brand-new collection of Women’s Adventures!