Inside Backroads: Your Guide to Active Adventures Across the Globe
Imagine immersing yourself in a world of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, all while enjoying the thrill of active travel. Backroads, a pioneer in this field, offers a diverse array of biking, hiking, and multi-adventure tours across the globe, catering to various interests and fitness levels. Whether you’re looking for leisurely strolls through charming villages or challenging mountain hikes, Backroads has curated itineraries that promise unforgettable experiences.
Introduction to Backroads
Founded in 1979 by Tom Hale, Backroads has evolved into a leading innovator in active and adventure travel. Over the past four decades, the company has refined its approach to provide travelers with unique, immersive experiences that highlight the distinct character of each destination. From biking through glacier-carved peaks in the Canadian Rockies to walking to ancient temples in Bhutan, Backroads ensures that every journey is tailored to bring travelers closer to the heart of each region.
Active travel is not just a mode of exploration; it’s a way to connect more authentically with the world. By traveling under your own power, you experience sights, sounds, and sensations that you might miss in traditional tours. Backroads prides itself on offering this authentic connection, combined with legendary customer service and superb accommodations.
Active Travel Trends for 2025
Each year, Backroads identifies emerging trends in active travel based on guest bookings and feedback. For 2025, several exciting trends are gaining traction:
- Women-Only Trips: Exclusive adventures designed for women, whether solo travelers or groups of friends and family. These trips have seen significant interest, with bookings expected to more than double compared to the previous year.
- Challenging Hiking: Travelers are drawn to rigorous alpine hikes in majestic mountain regions like Patagonia, the Dolomites, and the Lofoten Islands.
- Epic Regions for Easy-Does-It Travelers: For those seeking a more relaxed pace, Backroads offers “Dolce Tempo” tours in destinations like the Canadian Rockies and Peru, combining leisure with cultural pursuits.
- Portugal Islands Paradise: The lush landscapes of Madeira and the Azores are becoming increasingly popular for their dramatic coastlines and beautiful beaches.
- Under-the-Radar Destinations: Adventurous travelers are flocking to lesser-known places like Tasmania, Newfoundland, and the Baltics for unique scenery and premier accommodations.
- Getting Back to Basics: Travelers are rediscovering the joy of non-electric bike tours, such as the Unplugged Bike Tour in Spain’s Mallorca.
- Chasing Dark Skies & Eclipses: The allure of stargazing and eclipse chasing is growing, with trips like the Iceland Northern Lights Multi-Adventure Tour gaining popularity.
- Vive la France – Paris & Beyond!: France remains a top destination, with tours offering a blend of history, gastronomy, and active exploration.
Destinations and Activities
Backroads offers over 550 trips across more than 80 countries, featuring a wide range of activities:
| Destination | Activity Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Patagonia | Hiking & Camping | Lodge-to-lodge trekking, stunning mountain vistas |
| Canadian Rockies | Biking & Hiking | Dolce Tempo easygoing tours, glacier-carved peaks |
| Portugal’s Azores | Multi-Adventure | Beautiful beaches, dramatic coastlines, hot springs |
| Iceland | Multi-Adventure | Northern Lights, glacial hiking, geothermal hot springs |
Types of Tours
Backroads caters to diverse interests and preferences with several tour types:
- Women’s Adventures: Designed specifically for women, these tours offer camaraderie and shared experiences.
- Dolce Tempo Easygoing Journeys: Ideal for those who prefer a leisurely pace with ample time for relaxation and cultural exploration.
- Family Trips: Tailored for families with children of different age groups, providing engaging activities for all.
- Private Trips: Customized itineraries for groups seeking exclusive experiences.
Accommodations and Service
Backroads emphasizes providing travelers with exceptional accommodations and service:
- Premiere Hotels: Luxurious retreats offering a blend of opulence and local charm.
- Deluxe Hotels: Modern comforts combined with unique settings and amenities.
- Casual Hotels: Charming properties close to outdoor activities, ensuring an authentic, local experience.
- Small Luxury Ships: Intimate oceanic explorations with superb amenities.
Traveling with Backroads means enjoying legendary customer service, guided by enthusiastic trip leaders who ensure every moment of your journey is memorable and stress-free. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a group of friends, or a family, Backroads offers a way to explore the world that is both exhilarating and enriching ??.
Whether you’re drawn to the scenic beauty of nature, the excitement of new adventures, or the warmth of cultural connections, Backroads has crafted trips that promise to leave you inspired and invigorated. As you embark on your next journey with Backroads, remember that the journey itself is just as important as the destination ??.