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.

In a country as magnificent as France, where class and style are as prevalent as the grapes in the endless vineyards, selecting our favorite Backroads hotels is a nearly impossible task. But we’ve done our best! Here are seven exceptional properties visited on Backroads trips in this remarkable country. To stay at any of these incredible accommodations is to immediately recognize that you’ve arrived somewhere truly special. Whether enjoying a Michelin-starred meal, vistas of imposing mountain peaks or the scent of immaculate gardens, each of these hotels promises a complete sensory tableau.

February is the time of year when most people are relaxing, recovering from the holidays and getting back into the swing of their daily routine. But if you can’t wait to get back out there, February is the perfect month for a unique adventure. From hiking in far-off New Zealand to trekking in South America to enjoying a winter wonderland closer to home, adventurous travelers can find something to satisfy their wanderlust, even in the off-season.

I booked Backroads’ Tanzania Active Safari Tour, confident that we’d have the best possible itinerary for our African honeymoon. But I had no idea how wonderful it would be—or that the Backroads crew and our local hosts had a few surprises in store along the way.

Tucked away between the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea and the rest of the Balkans, you’ll find the beautiful little country of Croatia. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Croatia became a popular destination for travelers, and for good reasons.

With so much packed into such a small place, it’s easy to miss what makes each region truly distinct. That’s where a real local comes in handy. Luckily for us, we’ve got Scotland and UK Regional Expert Keith Emslie to help us unravel this rich tapestry of cultures.

If you've ever thought a bike tour was just for athletes, or that a walking tour may be too challenging, think again! Our Dolce Tempo trips are a more easygoing version of some of our best-selling active adventures, created for guests looking for a mellower pace and the company of other travelers who also like to savor the journey. These thoughtfully crafted itineraries allow for ultimate flexibility—whether that’s enjoying hand-picked routes over gentle trails, cruising on an e-bike, relaxing spa treatment at the hotel or anything in between.

Traditional, yet modern. Buzzing with activity, but filled with peaceful pockets of relaxation. Where the Kloster Dhammapala (a serene Buddhist monastery) huddles in the shadow of the Klettersteig (a heart-pumping level-4 climbing path). Whatever paradox you're looking for can be found in Kandersteg, your Backroads gateway to a spectacular alpine adventure.

Cycling through Europe offers a unique opportunity to traverse beautiful landscapes, ride through historic towns and explore new cultures while traveling under your own power. Whether you're exploring sunny Mediterranean coastlines, biking through picturesque wine countries, conquering mountain passes or enjoying it all from a river cruise ship, there's something for every family to enjoy.

At Backroads, we’ve been exploring Spain for decades. These are what we think are the six best hiking destinations in Spain, suitable for a wide range of activity levels.