We’re pros at navigating unexpected changes. Here’s how we make sure every trip is a great trip, even during heat waves.
In recent years, heat waves in Europe and beyond have had a real impact on summer travel. At Backroads, we draw on our 45+ years of experience to make sure higher temperatures don’t mean a lower-quality experience.
For us, it comes down to what we’ve always done best: putting our guests first. With more heat waves in recent years, we’re meeting the challenge with creativity, flexibility and proactive planning. Our goal is to ensure that every Backroads guest can focus on the joy of discovery, the beauty of the landscape and the connections made along the way—while we take care of the details that keep everyone as comfortable as possible. Here’s what you can expect on a Backroads trip during a heat wave.
Our Commitment to Great Travel in All Types of Weather
We’re obsessive planners, and part of what we do before every trip is monitor weather conditions, including hot temperatures. We empower our Trip Leaders to be flexible with schedules, shifting ride and hike start times earlier so guests can bike and hike during the milder morning hours and relax by the pool or in cooler spaces by early afternoon. Meals may shift too, with earlier breakfasts and adjustments to lunch logistics so guests can get out of the sun before the day’s peak heat.
We also use our insider access to line up backup plans so that, no matter the weather, there’s always something engaging on the itinerary. These creative pivots are part of what makes our Trip Leaders so beloved by guests like Carol H., a guest on our Cinque Terre & Tuscany Hiking & Walking Trip, who said, “The weather was beastly hot during the whole trip… but the leaders made sure that we were having fun—staying hydrated and giving us options to take less demanding hikes with boat rides and swimming in different towns along the coast. I was expecting a fabulous trip and in every way you exceeded my expectations!"
Staying Comfortable Along the Way
At Backroads, we know the trip experience starts long before the adventure begins. Our team of experts is available by phone or chat to answer questions and offer suggestions. Your in-depth Travel Planner also provides details about seasonal weather, packing suggestions and other trip-specific tips.
Before you travel, we recommend checking your favorite weather app before packing so that you can be prepared with anything extra you might want to have on hand—from clip-on fans to your preferred electrolytes. Our Trip Leaders will be doing the same, so we are fully prepared and ready for adventure in every type of weather.
At the start of each trip, your leaders will share helpful tips for staying cool and let you know what adjustments to expect in the daily itinerary. Along the way, they’ll help you adventure comfortably using expertise, creativity and the tangible tools at their disposal, from air conditioning in vans and icy water for soaking buffs to electrolyte powders and refreshing snacks.
Since your Trip Leaders are experts in the region, they know all the best spots along the way for shade breaks, cold drinks and energizing treats. And of course, you’re always welcome to opt out of an activity if you’d rather beat the heat by hanging out at the pool, wandering the shady lanes of a local town or jumping in the air-conditioned van.
Weather may be unpredictable, but our commitment to our guests is not: Every Backroads trip is designed to deliver memorable-for-the-right-reasons moments come rain, shine or heat.
Want to reserve the right to change your mind for any reason? In addition to our recommended travel insurance, which gives you 100% trip cancellation coverage for sickness and injury, we also offer our own Backroads Flexible Cancellation Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 48 hours before your Backroads trip starts for 75% of your trip cost converting into travel savings on a future trip.
