Banff is no ordinary mountain town. With fewer than 10,000 permanent residents, it sits inside Canada’s first national park—a place where jagged peaks, rushing rivers and quiet forests frame daily life. Long before trains and tourists arrived, the area was home to the Stoney Nakoda, an Indigenous people of the Canadian Rockies who traveled these valleys for centuries. In 1885, the creation of Banff National Park brought a new wave of people, and the town quickly became a magnet for explorers and adventurers year-round.

There’s a lot to love about Santa Fe, but for us here at Backroads, the thing that makes this high desert city so special is its rich blend of cultures, arts and gorgeous Southwestern landscapes. Earning its nickname as "The City Different," Santa Fe proudly mixes Native American, Spanish and Anglo influences in its historical adobe architecture, art galleries and celebrated annual traditions. Santa Fe stands out as a city that feels both deeply rooted in history and creatively contemporary.

With spring in full swing, April is a great month for adventures that make the most of mild temperatures and beat the summer crowds. Here at Backroads, we choose our April adventures to get the best of early-season Europe, autumnal South America and the dry season on equatorial islands.

The Dolomites aren’t just mountains—they’re a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Italian Alps’ most unforgettable places to hike and explore. These jagged limestone peaks in northern Italy rise straight out of meadows and forests, casting long shadows across Alpine valleys and mirror-still lakes.

Taking your kids abroad for the first time can feel like a leap. New cultures, unfamiliar routines, long flights and all the decision-making—it’s no surprise that many families hesitate. But family travel abroad can be incredibly rewarding and totally worth it. Here’s the secret: it’s much less overwhelming when you’re prepared—and even more enjoyable when you’re supported. Whether you go it alone or with Backroads, these family travel tips will help make your family’s first international adventure not just doable, but unforgettable.

Grab your favorite warm drink, find a comfortable seat, and let me tell you the legend of the creation of the islands of Mallorca and Menorca. The story begins when God created the Earth. He created a beautiful sea called the Mediterranean. He thought the sea was delightful, but it was missing a little something. Therefore, he decided to create a group of islands, the Balearic Islands, and had great plans to embellish them for all to enjoy.

Each season has its own perfect adventure. Whether you’re craving sunshine in winter, wildflower hikes in spring, summer safaris or fall rides through wine country, here’s an outdoor adventure for every month to spark your wanderlust.

The Azores are defined by their connection to the ocean. For travelers, that often means kayaking on quiet bays or spotting whales offshore. For locals, daily life is shaped by their historic seafaring ties. With that connection comes a responsibility for stewardship, and one local nonprofit is leading the way.

At Backroads, we know a spring break trip is a great opportunity for families to get away from school, work and the daily routine to unplug, recharge and experience the world in a different way—together.

There’s a certain thrill in doing something unexpected.