Tips & Planning

Decades of adventure, distilled into expert tips. With years of crafting award-winning active tours—and insights from experts worldwide—we’re here to help you plan the ultimate biking, hiking or multi-adventure vacation. Discover travel must-dos and packing must-haves, and get a closer look at our top-tier bike fleet.

Two women standing on top of a cliff, smiling while holding walking poles
March 14, 2025

Tips to Have Your Best Mother-Daughter Trip Ever

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.

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Family in white and green biking jerseys standing in front of a rustic, church-like building
March 12, 2025

How to Plan a European Family Vacation

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!

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Large cruise suite in the middle of a lake
March 4, 2025

What to Pack for a European Cruise (Advice from Travel Experts)

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.

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Backpack_river_crossing
February 19, 2025

How to Pack for a Hiking Trip

The world’s most stunning hiking trails, charming streets and cultural sites are begging you to explore them. Obtaining the right gear and trying it out beforehand will definitely help you get them most out of your hiking trip.

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Woman biking looking at a grassy field
February 19, 2025

What To Bring on a Bike Ride

Ever wonder what Backroads guests and Trip Leaders carry—or wear—on a bike ride? Read on for a behind-the-scenes look at how one leader, Jeremy Loewenstein, gears up for a day on the road and his tips for what to bring on a bike tour.

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Backroads Director of Operations Matt Fletcher introduces our new e-bike.
February 10, 2025

Video: Meet the New Backroads Hybrid E-bike!

Check out our new video featuring our completely redesigned, ready-to-roll titanium e-bike, which made its debut this summer! See Backroads Director of Operations Matt Fletcher introduce the Equalizer below.

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Death Valley, California
February 1, 2025

Five Great Books on the American West

As a Backroads leader. I rely on books to help connect me more deeply to the social and natural histories I encounter along my hikes and bike rides, which makes each step or pedal stroke feel that much more meaningful. For anyone heading into the open skies west of the Mississippi this summer, here are five terrific reads that will enhance your travel experience.

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Introducing the new Backroads Performance Bike
February 29, 2024

Video: Meet the Backroads Performance Bike

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

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Backroads Biker on the shores of the Danube River
January 9, 2024

Five Tips to Make 2024 Your Best Year of Travel Ever

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.

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hiker
September 26, 2022

Five Ways to Enjoy a Hiking Trip (Even if It's Your First Time)

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.

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