Costa Rica has activities for seasoned thrill seekers and inexperienced explorers alike. We’ve spent nearly 30 years in this Central American paradise finding the best hikes, bike rides, rivers and beaches as well as building longstanding local connections.  

The Hudson Valley’s rolling hills, scenic rivers and charming small towns are a magnet for cyclists like me. The hills are perfect for getting a burn, you’re rewarded with well-earned views and of course, there’s a cruisy valley descent.

The view from a mountaintop is always worth it and always inspires us. But the strange thing is, the view from the top seems to obscure the actual, physical toil it took to get there. Inevitably, we find ourselves lacing up our hiking boots again or putting our cycling shoes back on to climb yet another peak, seemingly oblivious to the incredible challenges ahead. Of course, climb a mountain–including the world’s most iconic ranges–with Backroads and the joy multiplies: logistics, gear, route-planning, lunch stops and guides will all be taken care of so that you can focus simply on finding your stride or cadence and achieving your best day, whatever that means for you.

From world-class cycling and hiking to kayaking, yoga and even wildlife cruises, our Portugal trips are sure to surprise you, delight you and intrigue you at every corner. We offer a range of Multi-Adventure Tours in Portugal that will satisfy your—and your family’s—craving for exploration. Let me tell you a little about them!

Ready for an epic New England adventure? Get an insider's perspective on why Maine is a perfect place for an active vacation.

They say that the memory of tastes and smells is the strongest and longest-lasting of them all. Well, if I had to describe what my childhood tasted and smelled like, I would say olive oil and warm bread.

Lauran and I met on a school bus. She was wearing a propeller hat and fake glasses with tape on the bridge and rainbow suspenders to hold the outfit together. It was love at first sight. Ok, not really, but we did meet on the school bus during the Backroads California Staff Ride in 2010 and the theme was "Back to School."

When traveling with Backroads, be ready to find yourself in the right place at the right time. Imagine hiking on a sunny day at 6,500 feet of elevation in the Swiss Alps. It’s the second day of a Women’s Adventure trip. After conquering some steep hills in the morning, we have lunch by a lake in Switzerland before crossing the invisible country border back into France. We see the Chamonix Valley in the distance where our beautiful hotel waits for us in the middle of town. We are ready to come down, after a day well spent outdoors.

Family vacations are a chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with one another in incredible places. Backroads designed these outdoor adventures with families in mind, offering active, enriching experiences that bring generations together.