What do Vermont, Appalachia and Italy have in common? They’re on Backroads’ list of Best Places to Travel in September!

Scotland. A land known for its misty mountains and distilleries with history hiding behind every corner. But beyond the castles and bagpipes there’s a whole world to be explored–by bike!

My first time in Andalusia, I arrived in the enchanting city of Granada in the evening. I walked on narrow streets snaking through ancient neighborhoods and cramped bazaars on my way to my lodging for the night. Up on the hill, overlooking the city, was the citadel of La Alhambra. It was glowing reddish-orange, outlined by the thick black of the night sky. It was powerful and majestic, a historic stronghold whose presence was an artful backdrop to a vibrant city. Granada was fully on display. So began my love of Southern Spain.

Thundering. Powerful. Majestic. Just a few ways to describe the natural phenomenon that is a waterfall. As you gradually approach one on a hike or bike ride, there’s nothing quite like starting to hear the pounding of a cascade before its dramatic reveal. From Iceland to Oregon, join us on an unforgettable adventure to witness first hand one of these incomparable wonders.

The fall may spotlight flannel, costume planning and everything pumpkin spice, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to lock in your family’s spring break adventure

Every year, the World Happiness Report reminds us of something we already knew—some places just feel, well, happier. That feeling comes from a unique blend of connection, nature and balance, plus a certain je ne sais quoi that shifts in subtle, fascinating ways from place to place. In this year’s CNBC list of the happiest countries on Earth, seven of the top ten are places you can explore with Backroads.

Backroads Leaders in Central Oregon reveal six insider reasons why you should visit the city of Bend as soon as possible!

Welcome, one and all, to the land of shamrocks, Guinness, Riverdance and U2. You guessed it–we’re talking about Ireland! And while we all can enjoy a pint of that refreshing stout and debate the country’s best musical export, we’re here to venture beyond pop culture and talk about hiking.

In a world where travel is more accessible than ever, many travelers now seek deeper, more meaningful experiences that go beyond simply visiting a destination—they want to truly connect with it. Backroads shares this philosophy, believing that travel isn’t just about seeing new sights; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, tasting the local flavors and understanding a place through the eyes of the people who live there.

Battered Mars bars, newspaper-wrapped fish-and-chips and haggis is what Scottish food is all about, right? Well, this may have once been the case, but the modern food scene in Scotland has transitioned from beige fried food to innovative menus exploding with local farm produce and twists on traditional dishes. Given the abundance of rich green fields with a water source every 200 meters, it’s no surprise Scotland is rapidly blossoming into one of the most impressive culinary destinations in the world.