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
America’s hidden food stops every road trip traveler should try
Road trips across America often become unforgettable because of the local food discovered along the way. Small diners, roadside cafes, and family-owned restaurants continue to serve regional dishes that many travelers never forget. Unlike chain restaurants, these...
Forgotten ghost towns across America still worth visiting
Ghost towns across the United States continue to fascinate travelers interested in history, mystery, and abandoned places. These once-busy communities were often built around mining, railroads, or industry before eventually being left behind. Today, many ghost towns...
Beautiful abandoned places across the United States
Abandoned places across America continue to attract travelers, photographers, and history lovers. These forgotten buildings and deserted towns tell powerful stories about changing industries, shifting populations, and lost eras. Many of these locations have become...
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
What surprises first-time travelers about Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises were not something that immediately came to mind for many travelers. They are often associated with older guests, quiet itineraries, and structured sightseeing. That perception changed after a personal family trip along the Danube River, following...
13 Things to Know About the NCL Jade Cruise Experience
A Backroad Planet baker’s dozen of candid observations and random reflections from repeat sailings aboard the Norwegian Jade cruise ship.
Cruising with NCL: An Insider Guide
Cruising with NCL just got easier with this Backroad Planet collection of tips, tricks, and opinions compiled by two avid Norwegian Cruise Line insiders.
ROAD TRIP PLANNING RESOURCES
America’s weirdest roadside attractions still drawing crowds
Roadside attractions have been part of American travel culture for generations. From giant sculptures to unusual museums, these quirky stops continue to entertain travelers looking for something unexpected during long road trips. Many of these attractions became...
Historic Route 66 stops that still feel frozen in time
Route 66 remains one of America’s most legendary highways and continues to attract travelers from around the world. Stretching across multiple states, the historic road became a symbol of freedom, adventure, and classic American road trips. Although parts of the...
Scenic back roads that beat America’s busy highways
America’s back roads continue to attract travelers who want more than crowded highways and fast-moving traffic. These scenic routes often lead through mountains, deserts, forests, and small towns that many tourists never see. Road trips have become increasingly...
AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES
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.
How To Prepare Your Car For Summer
Before you head out on a summer road trip, get your car in top-notch shape with these essential vehicle maintenance tips.
How to Choose the Best Car for Your Cross-Country Road Trip
Gas mileage, storage space, and extra features are all important considerations when purchasing a new vehicle for a cross-country road trip.