Backroads

Where to begin? We have now taken two Back Roads trips and there will almost certainly be more. To say we weren t the ideal candidates for Back Roads would be an understatement. We like to travel at our own pace and organize our own activities, and we re not much for group travel beyond our family and close friends. But Back Roads has changed all that - at least for certain destinations. To say this company is well run would be an understatement. The level of commitment to your enjoyment of a particular place is unparalleled, and they don t just want you to enjoy it, they want you to experience it. After two trips we have really come to appreciate the fact that the the Back Roads itinerary is usually made up of things that we might have experienced on our own, as well as things that we never would have done on a trip we planned ourselves. But the real magic of Back Roads is in their trip leader recruitment process. Whoever runs this part of the company deserves a major shout out because their their leaders are smart, charming, personable, and most of all, extremely qualified. They make the management of diverse needs of a large group appear effortless (which it obviously isn t). Because the trip is so well run, the group dynamic is excellent and we ve now had two trips with strangers where we enjoyed the social experience a great deal. It all adds up to a fantastic experience that you should consider strongly if they run a trip to the place you want to travel to. We just finished their big island trip in Hawaii, and had two fabulous leaders named Max and Mitra. The leaders on our trip to Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and the North rim of the Grand Canyon had equally excellent leaders but I can remember their names. They re two for two with us and we re not easily sold on an alternative approach to travel. If you don t think you ll enjoy an organized trip like this with people you don t know, all I can say is try it! It s a very unique and pleasant way to travel to certain places, and Back Roads is doing it at the top of their game. Highly recommend!!!

in May, I received the following email from Backroads,
------------------------------
We re reaching to you to let you know the great news that we have confirmed all your rooms/spaces on our Czech Republic & Austria biking trip July 25 30 2021!
-------------------------------
I also had several subsequent phone calls to confirm. After multiple emails I recently sent were not responded to, I called them again today, and was told
"well, in fact your trip was cancelled, and no, we did not call to notify you of such".
We have already spent an exorbitant amount of money on airfare and hotels for our party of 8 people, as well as rearranged all our summer plans to accommodate this trip.
I have requested that a company supervisor call me immediately to find a suitable substitution but they have not returned my call.

Service: Group tours

Just completed the 6 day Douro Valley biking trip and it was fabulous. Everything was top notch on this trip from the routes, to the lunch stops at manors, unique hotels. The trip leaders were outstanding!

I used to work there, what can I say. It's an awesome place to work and we do amazing trips.

Just returned from my fourth Backroads trip, a bike trip to Burgundy. My compliments to the company for delivering consistently great experiences. We rode through beautiful countryside, past famous vineyards and historic chateaus. Our accommodations were deluxe, and the food was wonderful. Our guides were knowledgeable, and professional.

Fantastic company all around. The best people, the best environment, and best travel experiences one can possibly do. Active travel at its finest.

This a dishonest company! Do not book a trip with them. I requested a cancellation well over 75 days from our trip due to a medical emergency (foot injury and emergency surgery). Backroads did not process the request (despite multiple calls and emails) until we were 60 days out from trip which doubled the cancellation penalty from 30% to 60%. Then they offered us 40% penalty still 10% more than their cancellation policy allows. Very dishonest people!

Update....they have now backtracked and say they will honor the 60+ day cancel penalty. They made NO concession for my medical emergency which included crippling foot surgery. A little better but still NOT fair!

Service: Private tours

I did three hiking vacations with Backroads during the 1990s. This past week I was in Springdale, Utah and to my surprise I saw some Backroads vehicles. the people that were working were as nice and as friendly as ever. you guys remain AWESOME.