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
The hidden Idaho lake with Caribbean-blue water and mountain views
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Wikimedia Commons Deep in the mountains of Sawtooth National Recreation Area, there is a lake that does not look like it belongs in the American West. With bright blue water, sandy shores, and dramatic peaks in the background, Redfish Lake...
Hawaii spots travelers say are not worth your time or money
Roberto Nickson/Unsplash Hawaii is often described as paradise, with its beaches, volcanoes, and lush landscapes drawing millions of visitors every year. It is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and for the most part, it lives up to the hype. But...
The ultimate way to eat like a local in New York City
Mick Latter/Pexels New York City is one of those places where it is almost impossible to have a bad meal. The city is packed with options, from street food to fine dining, and every neighborhood brings something different to the table. But if you really want to...
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
8 travel mistakes even frequent travelers forget before a trip
Anastasiia Nelen/Unsplash Most travelers think the hard part is booking flights and packing bags. But according to travel experts, the real issues often come from the small things people forget before leaving. These are the details that seem minor at first but can...
12 Common Highway Scams That Catch U.S. Drivers Off Guard
Highways hide scams like fake crashes, phony cops, and false breakdowns. Stay alert and protect yourself from these costly tricks.
15 Scenic Drives Through the Rocky Mountains
Drive the Rockies’ most scenic roads, from alpine passes to canyon routes, with views, wildlife, and mountain towns waiting at every bend.
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.