England—a land with tales that are told throughout ancient history, folklore and legends. You’ve probably heard of places such as Yorkshire and the Cotswolds, and you’ve even stopped in London for a few nights, right? But in the top northwest of England lies arguably the most beautiful national park in the whole of the United Kingdom: the Lake District. This area, referred to as Cumbria, is one of the biggest outdoor capitals of the UK and boasts huge mountains and hundreds of waters, lakes and tarns, all interconnected by gushing rivers and waterfalls. As a Lake District local, I’m here to tell you why this UNESCO World Heritage Site should be your next travel destination—but maybe not for the reasons you expect.

I’ve been leading trips in Iceland since my first year with Backroads in 2019, and I’ve returned every summer since. It’s one of those places that’s relatively close—but feels like another planet. Raw, untouched landscapes. Glacier-fed rivers. Clean air. You feel the elements in your bones—whether you’re hiking across black sand or standing beside an active volcano. Iceland is one of the few places left where nature is still fully in charge. That intensity is what keeps pulling me back.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.