The aurora borealis, or the northern lights, are truly a spectacle. We’ve all seen those stunning photos of green, pink, purple, blue, and indigo curtains dancing through the sky. It’s something many of us dream of seeing in our lifetime, and we’re here to tell you that 2024 is the year to see them.

In 2024, Vietnam became the fastest growing tourist country in Southeast Asia, surpassing Singapore with a total of 17.5 million foreign visitors. Did White Lotus Season 3 have a hand in the influx of foreign tourism? Maybe. But the bigger story? Vietnam has emerged as an affordable, foodie destination, rich with history and culture. Here’s what you can expect on a visit to Vietnam, and why it should be your next adventure.

To really welcome the New Year, there’s nothing better than a big, bold January trip. The year is young, the crowds are smaller and adventure is everywhere. For decades, we here at Backroads have been roaming the world in search of the best active travel experiences.

At Backroads, we’ve been biking around Europe for over three decades. Here are what we think are the best cycling destinations on the continent. From vineyards to castles, from the Dalmatian Coast to the Bavarian Alps- our top 10 biking regions in Europe.

There's no doubt about it—winter is on the horizon. And while it might not be perfect beach weather outside, there's still plenty of vacationing to do! From warm weather sojourns south of the equator to snowy vacations up north, the month of November offers plenty of excitement for you and your family, no matter what kind of travel experience you're after.

At Backroads, we’ve been leading guided bike tours in Italy for over three decades. Check out a few of our favorite routes and learn more about some of the best cycling destinations in the country.

Europe isn't just a patchwork of must-see cities and postcard-perfect landscapes—it's home to some of the world’s most unforgettable must-do experiences. We're talking about the things people dream of doing their whole lives. These are moments of pure adrenaline, joy, awe and cultural connection that go beyond sightseeing. This isn't a list of best places to go—it's a list of things to do. Whether you're sabering champagne in the French countryside or watching the aurora swirl above the Arctic Circle, these Europe bucket-list experiences deliver stories you'll tell forever.

Meaning ‘coastline’ in Italian, the term Riviera originated in northwestern Italy to define the area surrounding the city of Genoa. Now, every country promotes its own version of a Riviera as a promise of a perfect seafront or lakefront vacation. Let’s narrow in on three European Rivieras worth a visit: one you probably know, and two you may not.

There's something about San Francisco. Something that sets it apart from other major world cities. Is it the natural setting: a hilly peninsula surrounded on three sides by indigo Pacific waters? Perhaps it’s the postcard-perfect aesthetic: the parade of ornate pastel Victorians alongside a riot of street art? Or maybe it’s the culture: an energy and ideology that pushes ever forward, testing the edges of what society deems normal, from polyamory to self-driving cars.

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.