Why Travel With Us
Active travel is about journeying through a fascinating region under your own power. For nearly 40 years, Backroads has been setting the stage for epic moments in every corner of the globe—raising the bar that all such travel should aspire to. And while it may sound like boasting, we don't think anyone does it better. Let us show you why.
Read about what to expect when traveling this summer.
7 WAYS TO GO ACTIVE
7 WAYS TO GO ACTIVE
Something for everyone—give us your definition of active and we'll deliver. We set the standard for on-trip support; our leaders, vans and equipment give you the flexibility you're looking for. From easygoing to avid—all activity levels are welcome.
We handpick the most scenic biking routes–from the Rocky Mountains to the Tuscan countryside.
Our walking and hiking tours will immerse you in the culture and natural beauty of a destination.
Unbeatable blends of biking and walking with other fun-filled activities such as kayaking and rafting.
Explore the world’s great waterways while enjoying our exhilarating activities.
Discover the iconic wildlife of Africa and beyond by bike and on foot.
Bring on winter! Revel in a quieter side of your destination while snowshoeing, skating and more.
Indulge your inner foodie with cooking classes, market visits, farm tours and tastings.
CUSTOM-BUILT BIKES
From avid cyclists to occasional riders, Backroads believes that everyone deserves a seriously great bike to match their riding style. We offer a fleet of custom-built titanium bikes designed for comfort and high performance, as well as a pro carbon option from Cannondale.
PREMIERE HOTELS
Our quest for the highest standards of quality leads us to some of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants. Our Premiere Hotels are members of prestigious alliances such as Relais & Châteaux and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
CASUAL HOTELS
Kick back in scenic and comfortable hotels set at the doorstep of all your Backroads activities. Forego elaborate amenities for the splendor of epic locales and a sense of the region's spirit.
SMALL LUXURY SHIPS
Unpack once and enjoy the full Backroads active travel experience—Biking, Walking & Hiking or Multi-Adventure—all from a small luxury ocean or river ship.
DELUXE FAMILY CAMPING
Sleep under the moonlight in spacious pre-pitched tents and enjoy fresh food by the fire, made lovingly by your Camp Chef on a Deluxe Camping Trip in the US or Canada.
PREMIERE HOTELS
Our quest for the highest standards of quality leads us to some of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants. Our Premiere Hotels are members of prestigious alliances such as Relais & Châteaux and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
CASUAL HOTELS
Kick back in scenic and comfortable hotels set at the doorstep of all your Backroads activities. Forego elaborate amenities for the splendor of epic locales and a sense of the region's spirit.
SMALL LUXURY SHIPS
Unpack once and enjoy the full Backroads active travel experience—Biking, Walking & Hiking or Multi-Adventure—all from a small luxury ocean or river ship.
DELUXE FAMILY CAMPING
Sleep under the moonlight in spacious pre-pitched tents and enjoy fresh food by the fire, made lovingly by your Camp Chef on a Deluxe Camping Trip in the US or Canada.
FELLOW TRAVELERS—YOU CHOOSE!
FELLOW TRAVELERS—YOU CHOOSE!
Encouraged, supported and inspired by like-minded travelers, you discover extraordinary places in a different way than you would if you were exploring on your own. The common bond: a passion for discovery and a deep appreciation for the defining moment, be it a gorgeous sunset or the perfect cappuccino at a charming café in some faraway corner of the world.
COUPLES, FRIENDS & SOLOS
Our small group trips deliver big connections. With routes, hotels, meals and wine receptions geared for adults—with as much or as little camaraderie as you wish. We’ve mastered the art of crafting trips and group size to build community while offering tremendous individual freedom.
FAMILY
We’re the only travel company that offers four distinct categories based on kids’ ages. Introduce them to the joys of active/adventure travel when they’re young—and bond as peers later in life when they’re grown.
TRIPS FOR FAMILIES WITH:
Younger Kids | Kids & Teens | Older Teens & 20s | 20s & Beyond
PRIVATE
Whether you’re traveling with your friends, family or colleagues, Backroads Private Trips are a great way to see the world under your own power and on your own terms. Your pace, your style, as much or as little customization as you wish, and best of all, your people.
Learn More
Call 800-462-2848 to start planning your trip!
THE BEST TRIP LEADERS
Our Trip Leaders blend deep local knowledge, infinite talent and skill and a lot of heart to make your active adventure a personal, enriching, joyously fun experience you’ll never forget. See for yourself how this most carefully cultivated global workforce in the world of travel translates into the quality of your trip experience. Meet a few of our leaders in the videos below.
Leads trips in: Vermont, New Zealand, Japan, Peru, South Africa, Cuba
Leads trips in: Spain, Wyoming, Vermont, Costa Rica, Germany, Hawaii, Croatia, Belize
Leads trips in: Montenegro, Wyoming, Vietnam, Utah, and Thailand
Leads trips in: Ireland, Florida, North Carolina, Scotland, Switzerland, Hawaii, Costa Rica
YOUR PACE, ALWAYS SUPPORTED
YOUR PACE, ALWAYS SUPPORTED
At Backroads we truly cater to the complete range of abilities and interests of our guests, so everyone enjoys a trip that matches their fitness level, pace and style. We provide 3-4 leaders and multiple vans on trip to support your pace, from easygoing to active.
YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY
Every day we offer a choice of expertly designed routes, each with detailed directions and multiple activity levels. We aspire to provide choices so that each day feels like your own custom itinerary. Feel like ramping up the miles or want to head out on a short jaunt—each day it's your choice.
EXTRA VAN SUPPORT
Spend your time enjoying your trip–especially those unscripted moments that make active travel so rewarding–and not waiting for the lone van to show up. Enjoy the amount of activity you like–at your own pace, always with the option to change your mind as the day unfolds.
Expert, caring and friendly leaders, the good company of fellow travelers, excellent accommodations and food, and well-thought-out adventures—these are the hallmarks of a Backroads tour, time after time.
We have taken over 30 trips with Backroads and continue to be awed by the excellent job you do hiring trip leaders!
This was our first experience with Backroads and it was wonderful!! Your staff at the office and your group leaders are wonderful—you made it so easy to organize and plan all we needed. Truly a 5 star experience!