Tips & Planning

Whether you're preparing for your first cycling vacation or a local ride, these beginner-friendly tips will help you ride safer, smarter and farther. Learn how to use bike gears, brake safely and ride confidently in traffic with practical tips for new cyclists.

Dreaming of traveling in Italy, but not sure if you can navigate the land of pizza and pasta with a gluten allergy? Go ahead, book that trip—incredible gluten-free Italian dishes await!

Thinking about booking a Backroads Private Trip? Learn how private departures work, the best time to reserve your preferred dates, ideal group sizes, popular destinations and our new Small Group Savings offering.

New to cycling with Backroads? Part 1 of this beginner-friendly guide covers the essentials, from bike types and cycling gear to e-bikes, pedals and riding comfort. Learn practical tips from a veteran Backroads Trip Leader and build the confidence to enjoy your first cycling adventure.

Italian coffee is more than a drink. It's a daily ritual and an important part of Italian culture. This guide explains the most common coffee drinks in Italy, when locals drink them and how travelers can confidently order coffee like a local.

Can children with severe food allergies travel safely? Yes! Hear from a Backroads mom as she shares key strategies for trip planning, dining and emergency preparedness for confident family travel.

For some of us, December is less about escaping winter and more about escaping routine, leaving predictability behind. If we’re going to go somewhere new, why settle for a lounge chair on a beach when we could witness nature, culture and wildlife at their most peculiar and spectacular? These five destinations remind us that we don’t just need somewhere to be–we need somewhere to be inspired.

We’re pros at navigating unexpected changes. Here’s how we make sure every trip is a great trip, even during heat waves.

Discover essential active travel packing tips from Backroads Trip Leaders, including layering clothing, versatile gear, rain gear essentials and comfortable footwear. Learn smart strategies to stay organized and pack efficiently for any adventure.

If you’re new to group travel—or just the Backroads way of doing it—a little insider know-how can make all the difference. What specific details should you consider when searching our thousands of trips for the one that’ll suit you best? What’s nonnegotiable when it comes to packing your biking and hiking kits? Can you wear undies beneath your bike shorts?