Tips & Planning

Here at Backroads, we’re biking and hiking experts—but we’re also seriously dedicated hotel pros. Every year, our local experts around the world scope their region’s most beautiful and romantic hotels. Then our hotel team gets to work, selecting the best of a great bunch for guests on our active travel trips.

For some, December is the end of the year. But here at Backroads, it’s the beginning of an inspiring season of winter travel. Most of our favorite December destinations offer an escape from winter’s chill, but one special spot (see if you can guess what it is) offers an epic journey to one of the world’s coldest lands.

Japan is a dream destination for adventure travelers, a place where cultural depth meets breathtaking natural beauty. Traveling to Japan for the first time is an unforgettable experience, and while it is modern and highly efficient country, it’s also a place where etiquette and social harmony are deeply valued—and understanding this can make your trip smoother and more meaningful. Here are things to keep in mind before you travel to Japan for the first time.

Bonjour, cycling fans! The Tour de France is back, rolling through France’s most jaw-dropping landscapes in a whirlwind of energy, grit and glory. Since 1903, this legendary race has challenged the world’s best riders with grueling climbs, thrilling sprints and heart-pounding finishes. Each year, the route changes to spotlight new regions, adding fresh excitement and unforgettable backdrops to this century-old tradition. This year’s course features a mix of mountain stages and dramatic coastal routes, promising spectacular views and fierce competition.

A friend tells me that her mother still refers to a mother-daughter vacation they took years ago as “the torture trip.” What was intended to be a sweet week of pampering and bonding degraded into petty annoyances, nit-picking and constant bickering in that oh-so-special way that only mothers and daughters have. While they can laugh about it now, and they have successfully vacationed together since then, hearing her experience makes me think carefully when planning special girls trip getaways for my young adult daughter and me.

Planning a family trip to Europe can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. With so many incredible destinations to visit and exciting things to discover, it can be hard to know where to start. And when planning a family-friendly European adventure, considering both the kids’ and the adults’ wants and needs will ensure that everyone has a great vacation!

Nothing comes as close to time travel as cruising. Fall asleep in one location and—abracadabra!—wake up in a new destination. Not just convenient, but it actually does feel a little like magic.

Check out our new video to get acquainted with the Backroads Performance Road Bike.

As borders reopen around the globe, a world of possibilities is opening up for travelers. Read on and discover tips to make 2022 your best year of travel ever.

Hiking offers different benefits to different people. Some enjoy the solitude; others enjoy disconnecting from technology or reconnecting with loved ones on the trail. Whatever your reasons might be for lacing up your boots, here are some tips on how to enjoy a hike, no matter your experience level.