Welcome to Backroad Planet!
I’m Howard, a guy from Central Florida who believes taking scenic routes, scouting historical sites, and immersion in local flavor are the best ways to travel. Whether it be road trips across America, fly-drives to international destinations, or cruises on the mighty waters, I invite you to use Backroad Planet’s destination stories, travel guides, and planning resources to design your own adventures. Please contact me if I can assist you in any way.
Catch you on the backroads . . . .
Recent Posts
10 “Polite” Cruise Habits Crew Members Secretly Hate
Cruise vacations look effortless from the passenger side. Meals appear on schedule, cabins stay clean, and entertainment runs late into the night. Behind the scenes, crew members work long hours to keep every part of the ship moving smoothly. Some passenger habits...
9 European Cities Perfect for Your First Trip Abroad
Europe remains a practical starting point for international travel in 2026. Many cities are connected through fast rail networks and short-haul flights, which makes multi-city travel straightforward. Public transportation in major destinations is well developed, and...
8 U.S. Destinations That Feel Surprisingly European
Many towns across the United States carry strong European influence in their design, history, and local culture. Some reflect German alpine villages, others show Spanish colonial roots or coastal English charm. These destinations offer architectural detail, walkable...
design your own Road trip
Design Your Own Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
Design your own Arizona road trip with Backroad Planet’s suggested destinations, activities, scenic drives & heritage railways, plus our exclusive planning resources.
Design Your Own Georgia Road Trip | USA
Design your own Georgia road trip with Backroad Planet’s suggested destinations, activities, scenic byways & historic trails, plus our exclusive planning resources.
Design Your Own Upstate New York Road Trip
Design your own upstate New York road trip with Backroad Planet’s suggested destinations and activities, plus our exclusive itinerary planning resources.
Design Your Own Tennessee Road Trip
Design your own Tennessee road trip with Backroad Planet’s itinerary planning resources, recommended destinations, Civil War and Civil Rights historical sites, plus 16 themed trails and byways.
How to Plan an Oregon Road Trip
A collection of Oregon road trip ideas and itineraries for the Tualatin Valley, the Tillamook Coast, the Mt. Hood Territory, and the Columbia River Gorge.
Design Your Own Louisiana Road Trip
Design your own uniquely Louisiana road trip with routed scenic byways, a River Road plantations map, itinerary planning hacks, and a wealth of resources.
OCEAN & RIVER CRUISES
9 Cruise Outfit Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid
Cruise vacations in 2026 involve more planning than many travelers expect. Cruise lines now combine resort dining, outdoor excursions, themed parties, and upscale entertainment on a single trip. Clothing choices affect comfort throughout the entire vacation. Many...
8 Cruise Check-In Rules for 2026 That Travelers Need to Know
In 2026, cruise check-in procedures have become far more structured across the industry. Passengers now face tighter deadlines, digital boarding systems, biometric screening, and stricter document requirements before reaching the ship. Skip even one piece? That could...
The surprising reasons river cruises are becoming more popular than ocean cruises
River cruises have quietly become one of the fastest-growing travel trends among American vacationers. Many travelers are now choosing smaller river ships over massive ocean liners because of the slower pace and more personal experience. Unlike traditional cruises,...
ROAD TRIP PLANNING RESOURCES
The scenic small towns drivers accidentally discover on road trips
Some of America’s most memorable travel destinations are the small towns travelers never planned to visit. These hidden places often appear unexpectedly along scenic highways, offering historic streets, local diners, and beautiful landscapes far from crowded tourist...
America’s most legendary road trip routes every driver should experience
Some American highways have become famous not just for where they lead, but for the unforgettable journeys they create along the way. These legendary routes pass through mountains, deserts, coastlines, and historic towns that define the classic road trip experience....
The American road trip motels that still look frozen in the 1950s
Vintage roadside motels once defined the classic American road trip experience before large hotel chains took over major highways. Many of these colorful motels still survive today with retro neon signs, old-school architecture, and nostalgic charm that feels...
AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES
Vintage car museums across America every auto fan should visit
Vintage car museums continue attracting travelers who love classic automobiles and American road culture. These museums preserve historic vehicles that helped shape the country’s automotive industry and road trip traditions. From muscle cars to rare luxury vehicles,...
Classic roadside gas stations that still feel stuck in the past
America’s historic roadside gas stations remain powerful symbols of the golden age of road trips and highway travel. Long before massive convenience chains took over, these small stations served as gathering places for travelers crossing the country. Many of these...
Avoid Getting Ripped-Off by Mechanics: 9 Tips for Roadtrippers
A veteran automotive technician offers 9 tips for roadtrippers to avoid getting ripped-off by mechanics when an unexpected breakdown happens on the road.