Experiences

When I first decided more than 40 years ago that I was going to start an active travel company leading bike tours around the country, a lot of people thought I was crazy. But I knew that something special happens when you combine physical activity with exploring new and inspiring places.

According to U.S. News & World Report, about 80% of New Year's resolutioners will lose their resolve by mid-February.

The Iditarod is one of the most epic dogsledding races in the world, but outside of Alaska, few even know what it is. How long is it? Why is it known as "the last great race"? And do they really race with dogs? As a man who has mushed a few teams myself, I like to start with a brief history, dispel…

Wonder if you’ll have time to relax during your Backroads active adventure? Absolutely! In fact, sometimes it turns out that the quieter, not-so-active moments of travel are treasured as one of the highlights.

Nothing beats traveling with your family—experiencing new things through the fresh eyes of your kids, while instilling in them a sense of adventure and new perspectives. Europe is full of ideal family trip destinations that are close enough to be accessible, yet far enough away to be new and excitin…

To truly understand the significance of the Camino, you have to travel at least a part of it yourself. I did, and what I discovered is that at the heart of this storied path of quaint villages, picturesque landscapes and historical relics lies a deep spiritual journey—one that began with Roman-era C…

Martin surprised me with a six-day cycling trip to Hawaii's Big Island for my 60th birthday. What a great way to start a new decade —riding a bicycle in paradise!

If you've done much traveling, you've likely encountered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The term may spark immediate interest but what exactly does it mean? While UNESCO is best known for identifying its famous World Heritage Sites, it's an incredibly nuanced intercontinental coalition with enormous…

What is the Backroads Experience? It’s the feeling of your body in motion, with the wind in your face and excitement as your experience unfolds. By bike or on foot, you explore hidden corners, meet locals and immerse yourself in the life of a region while traveling in the company of our expert leade…

If you've been a guest on a Backroads trip, you probably remember how bright, friendly, hard-working and extremely energetic your Trip Leaders were. Well, it's safe to say that most Backroads employees, across the board, share similar traits. So what happens when 350 of us set aside our day-to-day w…